"I had almost feared I had lost my way when I saw the trunk of a shattered pine--the one that was struck by lightning, you remember--then I knew that I was only six miles from home. I was weak and faint, for I had had nothing to eat but a frozen potato all that day. I soon came to the cross-roads where the path winds across the ridge. It was a short-cut, and I took it. The bushes interfered with my rough snow-shoes, and I discarded them and plunged through the snow. When I came to the hollow by the old Camel rock, I smelt smoke quite distinctly.--It is here, you know, that the path joins the road again.--As I pushed through the short pines the smoke became stronger, and all at once I found myself face to face with a group of men seated about a fire. Two or three horses were tethered to the trees, and the men were all armed. "'God save our country!' I exclaimed--for the idea that there were English so close about seemed impossible. "'God save ourselves!' said one of the men, with a laugh. "At that moment I recognized a man in the little circle who was slowly rising to his feet. It was that rascal Cloud, the man who had robbed Uncle Nathan unknown for so many years, you remember." "Well," cried Colonel Hewes. "He's got his dues. I--" The Colonel stopped and dug his fingers into his palm. George had not noticed the interruption. "I knew, of course," he went on, "that some mischief was afoot, for that wretch never had an honest thought. I backed away, and was going to make a break for the road near by, when I tripped and fell. "'Seize him!' said Cloud, and in another moment I was bound hand and foot. They took my purse, which yet contained some gold pieces. They were as murdering a lot of pirates as you ever saw!" "We know of them," the Colonel broke in, excitedly. "There's a price on all their heads, for they acknowledge no law or party. But go on." "'What are you going to do with me?' I asked, after they had searched every pocket. No one paid the least attention. "They had drawn apart and were whispering together, and I could see that Cloud was talking angrily. How long they conversed I do not know, but it was at some length. When Cloud had finished speaking, there was some dissent about what he said, and the rest--all but two--took their bundles, and, heading about, struck off through the woods. Cloud was left sitting opposite to me, his horse was tied to a tree a short distance off. I shall never forget the look in that man's eyes. It was the look of Satan himself." "Go on," said Colonel Hewes, breathlessly. Aunt Clarissa and Grace gathered closer. "'Do you remember me?' asked Cloud. "'I do for a thieving villain,' I replied. "'Do you know that your uncle had me tied and thrashed like a low black nigger?' he exclaimed, his teeth coming over his under lip. "'And well deserved,' said I. Perhaps it was foolish, but I so detest the man that I could reply naught else.