Part 7 (1/2)

It was all the prayer he ever uttered, but it was an earnest and sincere one.

”G.o.d be with me,” repeated he, in a whisper, as he closed the front door of the house behind him, and with stealthy step crept down to the pier.

Cyd was already there, for he did not sleep in the great house, and had not to wait the movements of the family. He trembled with excitement as Dandy joined him, for he knew the fate of the runaway if he was caught.

They immediately brought the articles which had been concealed down to the steps, and put them in the bateau, which was used as a tender for the Isabel.

”What's dis for?” asked Cyd, as he deposited two pots of paint in the boat.

”Don't ask questions,” whispered Dandy, earnestly. ”Not another word, or I'll leave you. Now, put these things on board, and mind you don't make a particle of noise.”

Cyd obeyed the order to the letter, and paddled off to the sail-boat.

Every thing was now in readiness for their departure, but Lily had not yet made her appearance. Cyd returned to the sh.o.r.e, and they waited half an hour, but the lady's-maid did not come.

There was a stiff breeze blowing, and Dandy was impatient at the loss of a single moment of precious time. He walked up to the house, fearful lest something had happened to prevent her from keeping her appointment.

There was a light in Miss Edith's chamber, which explained her non-appearance; but he could not think of going without her.

When his patience was nearly exhausted, the light was extinguished. Lily soon made her appearance on the lawn, and they hastened down to the pier.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE DEPARTURE OF THE YOUNG FUGITIVES.

”Dear me!” exclaimed Lily, when Dandy joined her on the lawn; ”I am frightened out of my senses.”

”There is nothing to fear yet, Lily,” said her conductor, as he took her by the hand to restore her confidence. ”The wind is quite fresh, and long before we are missed we shall be out of the reach of pursuit.”

”I am frightened, and I can't help it.”

”You will feel better when you get on board of the boat. You shall have a nice cabin, and you can lie down and go to sleep just as you would in your own chamber.”

”I don't think I shall sleep much to-night. I was afraid I should not be able to join you, for Miss Edith had the headache, and made me stay with her till she could go to sleep.”

”We are all right now, Lily. Every thing is as favorable as it can be.

We have nothing to fear as long as the wind blows.”

Lily had very little practical knowledge of boating, and she did not comprehend the allusions of Dandy; but she trusted him with all her soul, and when he said there was no danger, her fluttering heart was calmed down. Before they reached the pier she had entirely recovered her self-possession, though she could not help being deeply impressed by the important step she was taking.

Cyd was seated on the landing steps, whistling the air of a negro melody, as cool as though he was about to engage in a lawful enterprise.

He had been tremendously agitated at the announcement of the idea, and when he decided to form one of the party; but he was one of that cla.s.s to whom exciting events soon become an old story. He already regarded his freedom as achieved, and he had even made himself familiar with his new social condition.

Dandy handed Lily into the bateau which was to serve as the Isabel's tender, and then seated himself in the bow.

”Come, bear a hand, Cyd,” said the leader, in a low but sharp tone.

”What am I to bear a hand to?” demanded Cyd.