Old Hurricane's shawl, hat and walking stick were deposited in one

corner. In case of being met on the way, he put the hat on his head,

wrapped the shawl around his shoulders, and took the stick in his hand.

His forethought proved to be serviceable. He went through the hall and

up the first flight of stairs without interruption; but on going along

the hall of the second story he met Mrs. Condiment coming out of Old

Hurricane's room.

"Your slippers are on the hearth, your gown is at the fire and the

kettle is boiling to make your punch, Major Warfield," said the old

lady in passing.

"Umph! umph! umph!" grunted Black Donald in reply.

The housekeeper then bade him good-night, saying that she was going at

once to her room.

"Umph!" assented Black Donald. And so they parted and this peril was

passed.

Black Donald went up the second flight of stairs and then down a back

passage and a narrow staircase and along a corridor and through several

untenanted rooms, and into another passage, and finally through a side

door leading into Capitola's chamber.

Here he looked around for a safe hiding-place--there was a high

bedstead curtained; two deep windows also curtained; two closets, a

dressing bureau, workstand, washstand and two arm chairs. The

forethought of little Pitapat had caused her to kindle a fire on the

hearth and place a waiter of refreshments on the workstand, so as to

make all comfortable before she had left with the other negroes to go

to the banjo break-down.

Among the edibles Pitapat had been careful to leave a small bottle of

brandy, a pitcher of cream, a few eggs and some spice, saying to

herself, "Long as it was Christmas time Miss Caterpillar might want a

sup of egg-nog quiet to herself, jes' as much as old marse did his

whiskey punch"--and never fancying that her young mistress would

require a more delicate lunch than her old master.

Black Donald laughed as he saw this outlay, and remarking that the

young occupant of the chamber must have an appetite of her own, he put

the neck of the brandy bottle to his lips and took what he called "a

heavy swig."

Then vowing that old Hurricane knew what good liquor was, he replaced

the bottle and looked around to find the best place for his

concealment.

He soon determined to hide himself behind the thick folds of the window

curtain, nearest the door, so that immediately after the entrance of

Capitola he could glide to the door, lock it, withdraw the key and have

the girl at once in his power.




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