“Ye needn’t try tew run any furder,” howled the miscreant, as he bounded toward her. “Ye’ve led me a good chase out here intew the woods, an’ I’ll jist take ye back, an’ maybe ye’ll git another chance o’ runnin’ away. _Maybe_ ye will!” he added with emphasis. “_Remember what I told ye!_” broke in a loud voice at no great distance. Before any one could move, there came the sharp report of a rifle—the dull “thud” of a bullet, and the renegade fell back, motionless, to the earth. The warriors gazed around in horror, but, before they could form any idea of the danger which threatened them, two more reports followed, and two warriors fell beneath the deadly aim of the borderers. With wild yells three athletic figures dashed from a cover near by, and, with clubbed rifles, rushed upon the fleeing natives. David Barring was foremost, and, with a sweep of his ponderous weapon one unlucky Indian measured his length upon the earth. The remainder flew with fear-given speed over the ground, and Charles and Alfred soon returned from the pursuit. We need not describe the fond meeting between the lovers. No pen could do justice to the emotions of those happy hearts. After the first fond greeting was given, the maiden turned to Alfred. “How did you escape?” she asked. “I supposed you still imprisoned.” “It was very cleverly managed,” Alfred returned. “No sooner was David led forth, than a knife was slipped into my prison, with which I soon severed my bonds. To work my way through the roof during the excitement elsewhere was but a short task—when I at once took my way to the forest. There I was provided with a rifle, taken from the Indians. We saw the party which started in pursuit of you, and even gathered from their conversation their object. We followed them, and here we are.” “Oh! my dear friends!” the maiden sobbed; “how can I ever, ever repay you?” “Don’t talk of that, my girl,” broke in David. “Thar’s not one of us but would be glad tew die for yer sake, and as fer reward, ye kin fix the matter with Charley, here, when we git tew the settlements.” Emily blushed at the honestly meant insinuation, while the brothers turned to the body of Ashbey. He was dead, the bullet having passed directly through his heart. So sudden, indeed, had been his transit, that the expression of his features still remained unchanged. They turned from the spectacle with a shudder of horror. “Let us leave this place,” said Emily, placing a hand upon the arm of Charles. “This is too dreadful!” They moved from the spot, and slowly took their way through the forest, toward the distant river. Days passed. The Mississippi was reached, the boat hidden by the scout was drawn forth, and the party launched upon the wide waters. Rowing by night, hiding and sleeping by day, their weary journey was continued.