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.

"Have you seen Miss Judith, Agatha?"

"Yes; and she told me that she should remain, and that I should stand
behind her chair that she might receive the troopers with dignity; but
I don't admire the plan. They might leave her alone, but I am sure
that they will be rude to me."

"When did Benjamin say he would be back?"

"He don't intend coming back. He said he would not, at all events,
till to-morrow morning, and then he would ride out this way, to
ascertain if the report was false or true. But Martha has gone with
him."

"I wish I could persuade the old lady to leave the house," said Jacob,