rees, the animals had to lower their heads to enable them to
creep under the boughs.

On getting out of the wood, I found that we were proceeding up a steep
zigzag path, along which two people could not make their way abreast.
At last we reached a narrow terrace, with a few trees growing on it. We
made our way between them till Samson entered a cavern, the mouth of
which would admit only a horse, or, at the utmost, a couple of persons
at a time. I followed; and having gone through this narrow archway,
Samson told me to stop. He then, using his flint and steel, lighted a
torch, and by the flame I discovered that we were in a large vaulted
chamber. On one side there were some rude stalls, and litter for
horses; on the other, a couple of rough bunks, and a table and some
stools, showed that it was used as a human habitation.

"This is my home and fortress," said Samson. "I come to it occasionally
when tired of hunting; and I always keep here a store of provisions. At
the further end is a spring of water, so that I might hold it for any
length of time against a host of foes. I have never as yet been
attacked, for the Indians know that they could not attempt to drive me
out with impunity, and think it wiser to leave me and my companion
unmolested."

I asked him how he came to know that we had been captured by the
Indians.

"Because I witnessed with my own eyes what happened," he answered. "I
was on the hillside overlooking the train, but had no time to warn you
of the approach of the enemy, nor could I at first help you; but I saw
you three carried off, and then made my way here to get the assistance
of Sandy, who had remained at home, as well as the three horses."

I asked him if he thought that our friends had escaped.

"I know that the Indians were beaten off," he answered; "but whether any
of the emigrants were killed or wounded, I cannot say. They continued
their course, and must have encamped shortly afterwards by the side of
the river. They will there have formed a strong camp, which the Indians
will not venture to attack. Their road will lead them not far from
this, when you can rejoin them, and I will pay them a visit."

"But I could not show my face among them without Reuben and Mike. I
should feel as if I had deserted my friends, without attempting to
rescue them," I said.

"A very right spirit, my lad," answered old Samson; "but you could have
done nothing, and would only have lost your life