Surely the army must have gone entirely mad that she, Hallie
Croffut, its pet, should be under arrest in a dark and musty cellar.
But presently her heart stopped beating. In a far corner she heard a
faint noise.
Something else was in the place with her. What could it be? Where was
Ted? What did it all mean?
Then she heard a groan, and an uneasy movement.
"Who is it?" Hallie asked, in a trembling voice.
"Is that you, Hallie?" It was Ted's voice.
"Yes, it is I. Where are you?"
"Over here in the corner. Those brutes threw me down the ladder, and it
stunned me. Come here. Perhaps you can untie my hands. Then we will see
what chance there is for escape."
Ted was soon released, and, climbing the ladder, tried the trapdoor, but
found it securely fastened.
There had been no sound above them for some time, and Ted came to the
conclusion that the soldiers were gone.
He was right. When the prisoners had been thrust into the cellar,
Barrows and his men rode away, leaving them alone.
Hours dragged along in the dark, and they scarcely spoke to one another,
both lost in their thoughts.
Suddenly Ted started up. Outside he heard a whistle, and he listened for
it to be repeated. It was the whistle of the bobwhite. He knew that
there were no quail in this region at this time of the year.
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