human
Bless my soul, Mister Dan! I thought the Frenchies had made way with you. You're a blessed sight to lay eyes on. But Mister Tom was right, he said you'd be coming back this afternoon.
gpt
Well, here I am, Jesse, Dan replied grasping his hand,
human
Well, now, Mister Dan, one at a time, _if_ you please. Can't say exactly as we've been havin' trouble; but we've sort of been lookin' for it. And Mister Tom--
gpt
He ain't here, sir; he left about an hour ago, driving the old Miss and Miss Nancy to the Red Farm, sir; so as to be out of harm's way. He'll be back before night, sir.
human
Ah, good! Then Nance is back? When did she come?
gpt
She come back last night, sir; leastways Mister Tom brought her back. Mister Tom, he got the idea that they'd cooped Miss Nance up on that there schooner laying in the Cove, and sure enough, he found her there and got her off somehows last night.
human
Good for Tom! How did he work it?
gpt
I ain't heard no particulars, Mister Dan. We've been too busy watching things to talk much. We got Ezra Manners out from the Port to help do guard duty.
human
Guard?--what?
gpt
Why, the Inn, sir. Mister Tom he's been sort of expectin' some kind of attack. That's the reason he took the women folks over to the Red Farm.
human
I see--and where's the old Marquis?
gpt
The old Marquis's where he hasn't been doin' any harm for the last twenty-four hours, sir. Mister Tom he locked him up last night in one of the south bedrooms. That reminds me, I was to let him out just as soon as you come back.
human
Why lock him up, and then let him out? Things have been moving at the Inn, Jess, since I've been gone!
gpt
Moving--yes, sir. But them's my orders--first thing I was to do soon as you come back was to let the old Frenchy out and do as he pleased. Mister Tom was to arrange everything else with you, sir.
human
Seems as if Tom had a whole campaign planned out. All right--we'll obey orders, Jess. Let the Marquis out, and tell him he can find me in the bar if he wants to see me. What time will Tom be back?
gpt
Before dark, sir, I'm sure. He's been gone over an hour.