CHAPTER XXXIV.
OUT IN THE NIGHT.
Enough has been already told for the reader to understand the scheme which Jennie Whitney, with the help of her mother, attempted to carry out for the benefit of the besieged cattlemen.
With her cloak around her shoulders and her saddle supported on one arm, she passed quickly from the rear of her home to the stables, only a short distance away.

She had been on the alert for the signal of Duke Vesey, and, seeing it not, was prepared to encounter some one else.
In this she was not disappointed, for at the moment of catching sight of the dark mass where the horses were sheltered the figure of a man loomed into view as though he had risen from the ground.

She stopped short, and observed, dimly, the forms of two others just behind him.
"Halloo!" exclaimed the nearest, "how is this ?" With peculiar emotions the young lady recognized the voice of Larch Cadmus.

She hoped this was a favourable omen, and was quick to turn it to account.
"Larch, is that you ?" she asked, peering forward as if uncertain of his identity.
"I declare, it is Miss Jennie!" he exclaimed, coming forward; "how is it you are alone ?" "Mother did not wish to come with me," replied the daughter, trying to avoid the necessity of direct deceit.

"She will probably leave the house pretty soon." The fellow was plainly embarrassed, despite the protecting gloom which concealed his features.