This supposition was the more likely, and they had taken the wrong road, thus missing Grant and his men in the darkness.
They must have cut through the orchard, leaping the low fence, for I heard the thud of hoofs even as I drew back into the upper hall.

Then a voice gave a sharp command.
"Circle the men about the house, Simmons.

There is something wrong here, and I saw a fellow at that upper window as we came down the hill.

Move quick, now!" I must face them, and went forward to the head of the stairs, anticipating an easy explanation of my presence within.

Already quite a squad was inside the front door bending over the bodies and staring about curiously.
"Pine Robbers, eh, Colonel ?" said one contemptuously.