From now on, whatever you say I will do." I had but one immediate purpose in my mind--to escape from the house as quickly as possible, to attain Pete's cart at the edge of the woods and be several miles up the river, hidden away in some covert before daylight, leaving no trail behind.

The first part of this hasty program would have to be carried out instantly, for any moment a suspicion might cause Carver to throw open the door leading into the hallway and expose our position.

Kirby was already showing unmistakable symptoms of recovery, while those other men idling on the front porch might begin to wonder what was going on so long inside and proceed to investigate.

By this time they must be nervously anxious to get away.

Besides, it would prove decidedly to our advantage if I was not seen or recognized.