At any rate, there was little fear that their loss would be discovered until the men returned from the front.
He took the clothes up to his room, and hid them under the pallet.
Then, having ascertained that the women were still engaged in talking, he took off his boots and made his way down to the lowest story, which was principally used as a storehouse.

Here, among bags of corn and other stores, he saw a coil of rope.

This he carried upstairs and, having hidden it, lay down again.
The rest of the day passed quietly.

It was apparent that the clothes had not been missed and, with a strong feeling of hopefulness, he awaited the night.

When the house was quiet he looked out.