"That's all. And now, Miss Sybil, if you would only let me live here

along o' you and Marse Lyon, and wait on to you bofe, I could make

myself very much satisfied into my own mind," he said, as he laid down

the last articles, and stood to rest himself.

"But you know, Joe, that you can serve us better by remaining at Black

Hall," said Sybil, kindly.

"Now, Marser Capping Pendulum, I hope them there fineries in the boxes,

as you told me to bring away, for a blind from our place, won't take no

harm along of being left out in the woods all night, for it was there

underneaf of a pile of leaves and bushes as I was obligated for to leave

them."

"They'll not take cold, at all events, Joe," said Captain Pendleton,

good-naturedly.

By this time, the fire on the stone floor had become so low that it was

quite dark in the chapel. But among the little necessities of life

brought by Joe, was a small silver candlestick and a few slim wax

candles. One of these was lighted, and gleamed faintly around, striking

strangely upon the faces of the group gathered near the smouldering

fire.

The friends sat and talked together, and arranged as far as they could

their plans for future movements. It was not until near day that Captain

Pendleton arose to depart, saying: "Well, Berners, I do dislike to leave you and Mrs. Berners here alone

again, especially as I fear that you will not go to sleep, as you ought

to do. I see that Mrs. Berners' eyes are still wide open--"

"I slept so long in the afternoon," put in Sybil.

"But, at all events, I am forced to leave you before light. It is not

quite safe now to be seen in open daylight, travelling this road so

often. To-night I will come again, and bring you further news, and

perhaps more comfort. Come, Joe."

Joe, who had fallen asleep over the fire, now slowly woke up and lifted

himself from the floor.

The Captain shook hands with his friends, and followed by Joe, left the

Chapel.

Sybil then went and spread out the mattress, and put the pillows and

covering upon it, and persuaded Lyon to lie down and try to sleep, as he

had not slept for two nights past. She said that she herself could not

sleep, but that she would sit close by him, so as to be ready to arouse

him, on the slightest indication of danger.

Very reluctantly he yielded to her pleadings, and stretched himself upon

the mattress. She went and gathered the smouldering coals and brands

together, so that the fire might not go entirely out, and then she

returned and sat down beside her husband.




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