"Somebody's stealing Red Robin, John," said she in a clear whisper.
They heard it for several pews around. Up sprang the pewful of
staunch Pennimans, father and sons, and made for the door in a great
rush after John, who was out before the whisper had much more than
left Ann's lips.
The alarm spread; other men went too. The minister paused, and the
women waited. Finally the men returned, all but a few who were
detailed to watch the horses through the remainder of the services,
and the meeting proceeded.
Phineas sent the whisper along the pew, that John had got out in time
to save Red Robin; but the robber had escaped. Somehow, he had taken
alarm before John got there. Red Robin was standing in the stable
untied; but the robber had disappeared.
After meeting the people all came and questioned Ann. "He was a very
tall man, in a gray cloak," said she. "He turned his face, or I saw
it, just for one second, when I looked. He had black eyes and a dark
curling beard."
It seemed very extraordinary. If it had not been for Red Robin's
being untied, they would almost have doubted if Ann had seen rightly.
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