But seated on a soft pile of
grain sacks in the rear of the wagon, completely hidden from view by the
tall "side-beds," were the refugees. Mrs. Delancy insisted upon this
mode of travel as a precaution against the prying eyes of persistent
marshal's men. Hidden in the wagon-bed they might reasonably escape
detection, she argued, and Crosby humored her for more reasons than one.
Higgins threw a huge grain tarpaulin over the wagon-bed, and they were
sure to be dry in case the rainstorm came as expected. It was so dark
that neither could see the face of the other. He had a longing desire to
take her hand into his, but there was something in the atmosphere that
warned him against such a delightful but unnecessary proceeding.
Naturally, they were sitting quite close to each other; even the severe
jolting of the springless wagon could not disturb the feeling of happy
contentment.
[Illustration: THEY ENJOY MRS HIGGIN'S GOOD SUPPER]
"I hope it won't storm," she said nervously, as a little shudder ran
through her body. The wind was now blowing quite fiercely and those
long-distant rolls of thunder were taking on the sinister sound of near-
by crashes.
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