Maybe if you're not found here you'll get off; for I've seen none
of you, and I can only guess at who you are. Go home, I say.'
There was a low, deep growl of disappointment, and a hurried
consultation among the men. But whether they would follow Stephen's
counsel, it was not permitted them to choose; for suddenly a strong,
bright flame burst up in a high column, like a beacon, into the midnight
air, and every one gazing upwards saw in a moment that the thatch over
the farthest gable had caught fire. The house itself was now burning,
and the light, blazing full upon their upturned faces, revealed to
Stephen the well-known features of four of his former comrades. The
shout that rang from their lips was one of real alarm now.
'Stephen, lad, open the door!' cried Black Thompson. 'We thought to
smoke the old fox out of his kennel, but it's took fire in earnest.
We'll not hurt him, nor Miss Anne. Lad! the old house will burn like
tinder.'
What a glaring light spread through the landing! The face of Miss Anne
coming from the servant's room shone rosy and bright in it, though she
was pale with fear.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167