I heard them tell Mistress Mortimer this was the nearest place where they were sure of finding provisions, and that they intended to remain until night.

I don't know what happened after that, except that the officers went inside, and the men marched around to the back to eat their breakfast." "What became of you ?" "Oh, I had other business, and never got back along here until just at daylight this morning.

Then I found things this way." "You don't know what occurred, then ?" "No more than you do.

But I've got my opinion.

It's this--Grant and his fellows must have left as soon as it was dark, taking the west road, which was the cause of your missing them.