“I hardly think we shall. They will hurry, of course, all they can, for they know well enough they will be pursued, and we’ll have to travel pretty fast if we get sight of them before they are safe home again.” “The plan, then, is decided,” said Edwards. “Wetzel and Kingman, here, will start at daylight, in pursuit, while, from the necessity of the case, we are compelled to remain at home. May God be with them!” This moment there was a movement at the door, and as they parted, Abe Moffat entered. Several grasped his hand, and he asked: “What’s the row? No trouble, I hope, this time?” “Trouble enough,” replied Kingman, and he gave, in a few words, the particulars of what is already known to the reader. “And I have bad news, too, for you,” said Abe. “Colonel Crawford’s force was defeated more completely than was Sanford’s. Over one hundred have been killed, and more than thirty burnt at the stake! I seen Colonel Crawford burnt myself! I was painted black for the stake, but the Lord helped me to get away, and I’m down here, ready for any service.” The effect of this intelligence can scarcely be imagined. “I’m good for a two week’s tramp, and I ask it as a special favor, Wetzel, that you let me take your place.” “I’ve a great notion to foller that girl, and I don’t see how Abe can do much, as he must be about used up now.” “Why not both of you go?” queried Stuart. Both Wetzel and Abe shook their heads. “It won’t do,” replied the former. “There mustn’t be over two in pursuit. Just as sure as there are, they won’t do nothing. No sir—it won’t do.” “Two is just the number that is needed,” added Abe. “You can go, Abe,” said Wetzel, after a moment’s reflection. “It hurts my feelings to back out, but I don’t believe you would ask to go unless there was some good idee in your head. If you can draw a sight on that Pete Johnson, just make it your special duty to wipe him out from the face of the universe!” It was agreed by Moffat that he would rise at the earliest sign of morn, awake Kingman, and the two pass noiselessly out into the forest without disturbing the others. Each was provided with a rifle, some thirty charges of powder, and a piece of jerked venison sufficient to last them several days. At a late hour the men departed from Edward’s house to their homes. As the night settled over the village, it was still and motionless, as though all were wrapped in the profoundest slumber. Not a soul was moving save the few sentinels, conversing together and exchanging their places at long intervals. Hour after hour wore slowly away, and for the twelfth time Kingman returned, fretful and impatient, to his corner, as the light of day had not yet illumined the east. He sat a moment, when he heard Moffat move. “Hallo! anybody about?” called out the latter. “Yes, yes, I’m here! Do wake up, for your sleep seems eternal.”