In spite of these things, however, both young soldiers were making excellent time, and in a brief interval successfully gained the refuge they were so eagerly seeking. Instantly dodging behind the protecting tree, Noel peered out at the approaching men. The dusk was rapidly deepening, and the outlines of the approaching band could be only indistinctly seen. He was tempted to act upon the suggestion which Dennis had made and fire at his enemies, but his fears for his own safety were so strong that he hesitated. In a brief time he decided to abandon the attempt, in order not to reveal his exact hiding-place. Strong in the hope that the men would not venture to follow within the woods, Dennis crept speedily toward the tree which his comrade had gained, and for a moment was startled when he beheld a man also approaching him. It proved, however, to be Noel, and then, acting upon a common impulse, both turned and ran farther within the sheltering woods. As they advanced, their progress became more difficult. The ground beneath their feet was soft and yielding. It was manifest that they were approaching a swamp. Noel wondered if his enemies were aware of the character of the land. If they were the pursuit might be continued, as they would be certain to catch the fugitives between the swampy ground and the border where they had entered. "Here!" suddenly called Dennis; "here's a road." As he spoke the young Irishman ran swiftly toward what seemed to be a road, as he had said, and as Noel followed him he soon discovered that Dennis was correct. A rough and partly decayed corduroy road had been made years before, but now it provided no very secure footing. Though they were unaware where the road might lead, both entered upon it and even increased the speed at which they were running. Not a word was spoken until several minutes had elapsed, and then to the consternation of both, a man was seen not far before them, who plainly was approaching. Abruptly leaping from the road into the swampy ground at its side both boys strove to hide themselves behind the protecting vines and trees. Only a few moments had passed, however, before they were aware that the approaching stranger was a negro. He was of unusual height and his long strides were indicative of his haste. As the black man came still nearer, Noel thought he never had seen a taller man. In the dusk his long figure appeared to rise almost to the lower branches of the overhanging trees. Lost as they were, or at least ignorant of the region, Noel suddenly decided to hail the approaching negro. "Sambo, is that you?" he said as the negro came opposite the place where he was hiding. Instantly the negro halted, and even in the dim light his terror was manifest to the young soldier. "No, suh! No, suh! I isn't Sambo. I'se Long John." "Is there anybody with you?" "No, suh! No, suh! I'se all alone."