"
Capitola complied, and they left the room together.
The overseer came in while they were at breakfast, and with his hair
standing on end, listened to the account of the capture of the
outlaw by our heroine.
"And now saddle Fleetfoot and ride for your life to Tip-Top and
bring a pair of constables," were the last orders of Old Hurricane.
While Mr. Ezy was gone on his errand, Major Warfield, Capitola and
Mrs. Condiment remained below stairs.
It was several hours before the messenger returned with the
constables, and with several neighbors whom interest and curiosity
had instigated to join the party.
As soon as they arrived, a long ladder was procured and carried up
into Capitola's chamber, and let down through the trap-door.
Fortunately it was long enough, for when the foot of the ladder
found the floor of the cellar, the head rested securely against the
edge of the opening.
In a moment the two constables began singly to descend, the foremost
one carrying a lighted candle in his hand.
The remaining members of the party, consisting of Major Warfield,
Capitola, Mrs. Condiment, and some half dozen neighbors, remained
gathered around the open trap-door, waiting, watching, and listening
for what might next happen.
Presently one of the constables called out:
"Major Warfield, sir!"
"Well!" replied Old Hurricane.
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