It must mean something.

Lord, but we seem to have stirred up a hornet's nest!" "Oh, dear, I wish we were safely at--" she paused.
"At home ?" he asked quickly.
"At Bracken's," she finished; and if any of the pursuers had been near enough he might have heard the unmistakable suggestion of a kiss.
"I feel better," he said, squaring his shoulders.

"Now, let me think.

We must outwit these fellows, whoever they are.

By George, I remember one of them! That old fellow who bought the horse is with them.