A Colonial Wooing
comfort above all else, and then the moment for the second parting came. Ruth held her cousin's hand for a moment as they stood on the little deck of the shallop, and then turned her face upward as if expecting to be kissed. He bent his head down, but only to whisper a few words, and slipped a folded bit of paper into her other hand. Then he turned away abruptly and left her, and Ruth, glancing at the wide expanse of water as if it were a farewell look, went into the cabin.
The light was fast fading as she unfolded the crumpled bit of paper and read, "When the owl hoots thrice in quick succession, go on deck to the rudder-post, and if any attempt is made to stop you, take a leap in the dark. They will not start until after midnight. William Blake will be on board." Ruth shuddered as she read these words, and her strength was well-nigh gone. Her only source of comfort was in crying, and this she did. She gave way to her feelings freely yet without attracting attention. She had reached a crisis in her life, and could she meet it? Why had she not fought for her
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