We captured them without trouble and led them back to the scoot, which we reloaded and sent on up to camp with Asa.

Addison and I put bridles on two of the horses,--Ducie and Skibo,--and rode home to the farm.
It was dark when we got home, and no one heard us arrive.

After we had put up the horses, we went into the house with our dismal tidings.

The old Squire was at his little desk in the sitting-room, looking over his season's accounts.
"You go in and tell him," Addison said to me.
I dreaded to do it, but at last opened the door and stole in.
"Ah, my son," the old gentleman said, looking up, "so you are back." "Yes, sir," said I, "but--but we've had trouble, sir, terrible trouble." "What!" he exclaimed.

"What do you mean ?" "We've had a dreadful time.