“There’s the hoss what tossed you over the buffler there,” he answered, pointing to a clump of trees, “and I’ve brought you them other things,” he added, handing me my knife, powder-horn, and rifle, “and I’ll show you through the woods to the peararie.” “Thank you; but I shall not need you, as I know the way well enough.” “How soon you goin’ to start?” he asked, turning to depart. “In less than an hour I shall bid you farewell.” “Jim,” interposed the fair captive, “bring my horse to the same spot. I think I shall also leave for home to-night. If inquiry is made, you can tell them this, and add that I shall probably be with them in a few days again. As I know the wilderness well, I will guide our friend here through it.” The savage looked cautiously at us both. If he was shrewd enough to suspect the truth, he was polite enough not to show it. He replied that her wish should be gratified, and he disappeared as noiselessly as he came. It was now getting far in the night. The moon rode high in the heavens, and shed a full, perfect light down upon us. “So you are going,” said I, looking at her. “I am going to attempt it,” she answered, firmly. “And through no action of mine shall you ever regret this step,” I added, warmly. “Oh! I hope he will soon return, for I _wish_ to go,” she said, as with a shiver of apprehension she looked hurriedly about in the dark shadows of the forest. “As yet, we know not each other’s names,” said I, pleasantly. “True,” she answered, with a faint smile. “Mine is Imogene Merment.” “And mine is William Relmond; but where can Jim be?” “Ah! there he is now,” she answered, with a deep flush; and the next minute the savage stood beside us. “The animals are there; and I’m thinking you’d better be off. Soon as you git away, I’ll cover up the hole, so thee won’t think him has crawled out; but I’m much afeared there am some peeking about here.” “We will go at once,” said Imogene, gathering up her dress. I turned to give a last word to Jim, but he had vanished. “Let us hurry,” said she, “for I have a dread that we are watched, and will not get away after all. I pray God that nothing may prevent us, now that we are started.” She almost ran, and in a minute we reached the grove referred to. Here we found two horses saddled and bridled, and ready for a journey. Without losing a moment, we mounted and struck to the northward. “Why this direction, Imogene?” I asked. “To avoid pursuit,” she answered. “At daylight we will change it, and proceed to the south-east.”