CHAPTER XXII
A STEP NEARER
THE stables?" I asked. "What horses are there?"
"Officers' mounts; but there were several others tied at the hitch rail an hour ago. Two or three civilians rode over from Beckley to attend the dance. These will be easier to get, as they are not guarded."
"You saw them?"
"When they arrived—yes; they appeared to be good stock; better even than the government horses."
I could perceive them dimly, now they were pointed out, from where we skulked in the shadow of the building, but they were so bunched together it was impossible to distinguish the number.
"They will be all equipped?"
"Yes—they were simply ridden in, and tied. I was sitting on the porch here with Captain Fox, and do not remember seeing one unsaddled."
I took a step or two forward, circling the house, so as to better approach the animals along the shadow of an orchard fence. I knew she followed close at my heels, although I did not glance around,
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