About two in the morning
Before you awake I 'll be on my way . Keep the shades drawn ; it 's my way of saying I do not wish to be disturbed . Good night , and God bless you , Priscilla . '' About two in the morning Farwell set out upon his business for Priscilla . He left a safe and roaring fire upon the hearth ; the window shades he did not raise , and well he knew that with that signal of desire for privacy his house would be passed by without apparent notice . The smoke might curl from the chimney , the dogs might , or might not , materialize , but with those close-drawn shades the simple courtesy of Kenmore would protect the master . Priscilla was sleeping when Farwell silently closed the door after him , and , followed by his dogs , provided with food and blankets , he noiselessly took to the shadowy woods .