that I could only gasp.

"Now inter ther hole with ye, Jed Bungay--you an' yer dorgs," she
panted furiously. "An' you uns foller him. I reckon I 'm able ter
handle thet lot out thar, even if it should be Red Lowrie an' his
gang."

Catching firm hold of Mrs. Brennan's hand I sprang down the single step
and closed the door tight behind us. Jed had scrambled to his feet, and
rubbing himself vigorously with one hand, utilized the other to drag
outward a rough cupboard, which appeared to be a portion of the house
itself. As it swung open there was revealed behind it a fair-sized
opening extending into the face of the hill. It was a most ingenious
arrangement, doubtless finding frequent use in those troublesome times.
Its presence partially explained how Jed had thus far escaped the
conscription officer. Into this hole we entered one at a time, and when
the heavy cupboard had been silently drawn back into place, found
ourselves enveloped in such total darkness as to make any movement a
dangerous operation. I felt the clasp of my companion's hand tighten,
and knew that her whole form was trembling from intense excitement.

"Do not permit the darkness to alarm you," I whispered softly, bending
down as I spoke until I could feel her quick breathing against my
cheek. "Our visitors are not likely to remain longer than will be
necessary to get something to eat. They need never suspect our
presence, and all we have to do is to wait patiently until they move
on. I only wish I could discover something upon which you might sit
down."

"Pray do not think me a coward," she answered, "but I have heard of