"After the smoke from the explosion had cleared away, I went in search of the ladies, but they had disappeared. The cart had been removed, and my opinion is that Branch has driven off with our sisters. He cannot advance very rapidly with his ox-team, and, if Fall-leaf is on his track, he will return and inform us as soon as he has ascertained the direction they have taken." "Have the horses saddled, and at the door. If possible get fresh ones," said Hayward. "I shall follow my sister." "You cannot do it, captain, you are too ill!" "Who talks of being ill, at such a time as this? My sister is in the hands of that ruffian Branch, and yours too, Margrave! _I_ should go forward if I was dying!" At this moment Fall-leaf rushed into the room, and cried: "Follow--come!" "Come--no questions," cried Hayward. In an instant Hayward, Hinton, Johnson, Nettleton, Margrave, and the Indian, were in their saddles, and darted off at their utmost speed, on the road toward the famous Wilson's creek battle-ground. The Indian took the lead. They ascended the sharp hill which borders Wilson's creek, and when on its summit, could plainly see all the surrounding objects in the valley below. After a moment's inspection they turned to the right, and struck off through a narrow path which ran along the mountain ridge. They had proceeded about two miles, when the Indian paused and said: "Hark!" The party listened attentively, and distinctly heard the sound of the rumbling cart. "Quick! Forward!" cried Hayward, as he dashed onward. In a few moments they came in sight of the cart, and there, sure enough, were seated the sister of Hayward and the maiden, Alibamo. A cry of joy broke from the lips of Margrave. It was heard by Branch. The villain for a moment was confused, but it was no time for delay. He seized Miss Hayward in his arms, and, springing from the cart, ran along with her as easily as if she had been an infant. Alibamo sprang into her brother's arms, with a cry of rapture, but he only paused a moment. Branch ran directly toward a narrow pathway, which was the only passage to the valley below, and which wound down the steep by the side of a sharp, rocky ledge. Beneath this ledge was a frightful chasm, at the bottom of which were a hundred sharp rocks, which had been broken off the height, and fallen into the depths below. "Ah! I will triumph yet!" cried Branch, as he reached the ledge, and was about to spring down the narrow pathway. But, Fall-leaf confronted him, and Branch sprang back. "Ah! the rock--the precipice!" he cried, and darting for the ledge he stood upon its very verge. As Hayward and his friends approached, Branch raised the helpless maiden high over his head, and leaning forward he cried: "If you advance another step, Hayward, or permit any of your party to do so, I will hurl your sister into the depths below, and thus dash her to pieces!" Hayward was within a few feet of Branch, but he stopped instantly.