“Julian, do you hesitate?” “No, Eva—I am rowing with all my strength—I must leave you in safety. My plan is formed. Your father will approve it. We must raise forces and scout the country around, for the ruffians will not dare to execute their design on the river. We can rescue the boy before they reach a place of concealment.” “Oh Julian, speed, speed fast,” she said, in a tone of touching entreaty, “my brother’s life depends upon your arm. Oh Caraola, is Arrowfoot too gone? I know he clung to him as long as life remained. Did they kill him?” “They threw him off,” replied Caraola, “but he lives still. I saw him striving to reach yonder shore. His heart is strong, and though his young arm bends like the sapling, I know the Great Spirit will strengthen it.” The night had fallen dark and gloomy ere they reached Colonel Carlisle’s door. Eva’s cry of anguish caught her father’s ear, and he rushed to meet them. {746} “Is it my child’s voice I hear?” exclaimed he, with alarm. “Speak Eva! where is your brother? Oh God! what has befallen him?” “He is gone, father—gone! seized by strangers; hasten to pursue—Julian, tell him all!” she said, as she gasping, fell into Caraola’s arms. He briefly sketched the events of the evening, and the probable design of the ruffians, to obtain the costly watch and diamonds which it was ascertained Eldred wore as a pledge of the inheritance to which he was heir. It might be from some motive of revenge to the father, but that Colonel Carlisle’s open heart and hand, his high-minded and useful career, checked the supposition of his having a secret enemy. The necessity for instant exertion prevented the old man’s heart from bursting under this unexpected calamity. A company was raised for immediate pursuit. Julian co-operated in every plan to regain the lost boy, and set out as the leader of a party to search every spot where it was possible the villains had found a harbor. Colonel Carlisle himself headed another, but being scarcely able to guide his own steps, he yielded to his nephew’s counsel, and returned home, that he might not delay others in their search.