You must not, therefore, leave your brother and sisters till I return.
Lock the cottage-door as soon as it is dark. You know where to get a
light, over the cupboard; and my gun is loaded, and hangs above the
mantlepiece. You must do your best if they attempt to force an
entrance; but above all, promise me not to leave them till I return. I
will remain here to see what I can do with your aunt, and when I come
back we can then decide how to act."
This latter ruse of Jacob's succeeded. Edward promised that he would
not leave his sisters, and it wanted but a few minutes of twilight
when the little party quitted the mansion of Arnwood. As they went out
of the gates they were passed by Benjamin, who was trotting away with
Martha behind him on a pillion, holding a bundle as large as herself.
Not a word was exchanged, and Benjamin and Martha were soon out of
sight.
"Why, where can Martha be going?" said Alice. "Will she be back when
we come home to-morrow?"
Edward made no reply, but Humphrey said, "Well, she has taken plenty
of clothes in that huge bundle for one night, at least."
Jacob, as soon as he had seen the children on their way, returned to
the kitchen, where he found Agatha and the cook collecting their
property, evidently bent upon a hasty retreat.
Pages:
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33