Kate was stirring early, but not as early as her sister, who met her on the threshold of her room.

Her face was quite pale, and she held a letter in her hand.

"What does this mean, Kate ?" "What is the matter ?" asked Kate, her own color fading from her cheek.
"They are gone--with their horses.

Left before day, and left this." She handed Kate an open letter.

The girl took it hurriedly, and read-- "When you get this we shall be no more; perhaps not even as much.