I found a thick clump of bushes separated from the house by the width of a lawn.

Behind these I ensconced myself, and composed my limbs as best I might to await daybreak.
I was almost dozing, when I started suddenly to hear footsteps and voices not far away.

Could it be he?
It was too dark to distinguish anything, and as yet their voices were not near enough to detect the words.

But they were coming nearer, and in a moment my suspense was at an end.

It was not Ludar.
"That is well," said a voice which I knew to be Captain Merriman's.
"You say he knows to expect you ?" "Yes, sir; I sent him word that a week hence we should join him at Milford." "Good.