ollect all the white men and trustworthy overseers, with their arms and
ammunition. And also we must not forget our neighbours. Despatch a
messenger--Jericho, Sambo, or any other fellow--to Mr Pemberton, and
advise him either to join us with all his family, or to fortify his
house as we intend doing ours. But stay, Martin. It may be safer, to
prevent mistakes, if I go myself; a gallop, though the sun is hot, won't
kill me. I'll take your horse, and you shall drive the buggy."

The exchange was soon made, and Mr Twigg galloped forward, telling his
wife as he passed what he proposed doing, and quickly dashing by Ellen
and Fanny.

"Don't be alarmed, ladies," he cried out; "but the truth is we expect an
attack from some blacks, who have broken out into rebellion, and we are
going on to see what can be done to give them a warm reception."

"Surely, in that case, Major Malcolm, we ought not to detain you, as you
will wish to assist in preparing for the defence of the house--for I
conclude that is what Mr Twigg means," said Fanny in a calm tone.

"But we cannot leave you unprotected, Miss Pemberton," answered Major
Malcolm. "Should the negroes really have risen, you might encounter
some on the road, who would, seeing you alone, try to make you prisoners
for the sake of holding you as hostages. I positively cannot leave
you."

"Then we will gallop on together," said Miss Pemberton. "Miss Ferris's
horse and mine are firm-footed, and I am sure that she will be ready to
do as I propose."

She turned round to Ellen, who was perfectly willing to go on, and
pressing their horses with their whips in a way which astonished the
animals, they galloped forward. The road was dry and dusty, and in some
places, where unsheltered by the trees, the sun beat down with intense
heat; but in their anxiety they cared not for the inconvenience. On
looking back they saw Mr Ferris and the other carriages coming along at
almost as fast a rate as they were going. Gradually they were
distancing them. Ellen was unwilling to leave her father behind.

"I am afraid that they are pursued by the blacks," she exclaimed. "Oh,
should they be overtaken!"

"In that case Mr Ferris would far rather that you should escape," urged
the lieutenant. "Let me entreat you not to stop; supposing the rebels
are pursuing us, we could do nothing."

Still Ellen checked her horse till Mr Ferris again came in sight, when
she heard him shouting, "Go on! go on