Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/127

 "Nay," she sobbed. "But—but—I d-do be aware o' the fact that—that Samuel hath been taken by a band o' Tories who came from Elizabeth Town, and that I have been lying here, helpless and alone, since last night, wi' only little Mary to care for me and the baby!"

"Is't true, indeed!"

"Master Todd taken!"

The two exclamations blended in shocked surprise. Then Sally added slowly, "It was Master Todd I saw being marched away between the red-coats upon the New York dock!"

Both Uzal and Mistress Todd turned to the girl in excitement, the latter wiping her eyes and sighing. "In New York Town!" The wife paled. "Ah, that means the Sugar House prison or worse, one o' their horrible, vile prison ships! Oh, Samuel! Samuel! I may never see thee again!" And once more she buried her face in her hands.

Uzal turned to her masterfully. "Nay, ye must not worry!" he advised. "We shall soon have Master Todd restored to our community!"

"I do hope so, Uzal!" Encouraged, Mistress Todd wiped her eyes again.

"Well, I will put the horse away i' the barn for the night and stop for him the next time I go to town," said Uzal after a silence.

"What mean ye?" Mistress Todd looked at him, astonished. "The horse?" She shifted her glance