“He’s run away, Miss Elsie,” Sevier soothed. “He won’t bother you any more. And your father is coming.” “Father escaped from them!” she rejoiced, and lifting her voice she called to him. Sevier picked up his rifle and examined the priming, then loaded Hester’s gun. Securing Hester’s horse he swung Elsie into the saddle and led the way back to his own mount, cautioning: “Don’t call again. I can find him. If the outlaws are following him he’ll bring them down on us. Hester will set them on our trail soon enough without any help from us.” Tonpit’s voice rang out again, this time impatiently, for he had heard his daughter’s voice and knew she must be safe. Motioning her to be silent, Sevier gave a soft whistle. A horse crashed through the undergrowth and Tonpit was imperiously demanding: “Where are you, Elsie? I’ve been horribly frightened.” “This way, father,” she softly answered. “And not so loud, dear. Those men will hear us.” “There are two of them who won’t hear anything this side of the Last Trump,” he hoarsely assured, spurring his mount into the trail. On catching sight of Sevier, he levelled the pistol he was holding and snapped it. “Father!” groaned the horrified girl. “It’s Mr. Sevier, father.” Tonpit leaned forward over his horse’s neck and blinked at the borderer. “Then what the devil is he doing here with that scum?” he fiercely demanded. “He just saved me from Hester. Mr. Sevier is my friend,” she gently reminded. “Friend? We shall see,” was the grim reply. “If he is our friend he will guide us to the trail that runs south.” “You ride where?” asked Sevier, mounting his horse. “To the Coosa River. And time is precious,” snapped Tonpit. “You’ve been held prisoners by Red Hajason?” Sevier asked. Tonpit nodded gloomily; then with a streak of suspicion he asked: “How did you know about it? Has my daughter told you?” “I’ve had no time to talk with your daughter,” Sevier coldly replied. “I found her unconscious from a fall from her horse. Hester was with her, and I was on the point of killing him when your call disturbed the balance of battle long enough for him to escape.” “Then I’m —— sorry I called,” growled Tonpit. “But Hester said you killed the Indian, who was to be my guide.” “He lied,” Sevier calmly retorted. “He came in the Indian’s place,” continued Tonpit. “But he took us to Red Hajason’s camp instead of to the Coosa. We’ve been held prisoners ever since. Then Hajason went away, and I got two horses and Elsie and I rode for it, followed by the band. We threw them off the trail yesterday, but when we broke camp this morning several of them jumped us. She rode ahead while I fought them off. I shot two and got away, but, lost her. That’s all there is to tell, except I’d give a thousand pounds to know what Hajason is up to.”