ve his present abode until I could see him again, promising that I
should do what I could to find him a kinder master.

He readily agreed to my proposal; and as it was now sunset, I made
preparations for my departure from the lake.

A signal was agreed upon, so that when I should return to visit him, he
could bring the pirogue to ferry me across; and this being arranged, we
once more entered the canoe, and set out for the plantations.

We soon recrossed the lake; and, leaving the little boat safely moored
by the fallen tree, started off through the woods. The path, with
Gabriel for my guide, was now easy; and at intervals, as we went along,
he directed my attention to certain blazes upon the trees, and other
marks by which I should know it again.

In less than an hour after, we parted on the edge of the clearings--he
going to some rendezvous already appointed--whilst I kept on to the
village, the road to which now ran between parallel fences that rendered
it impossible for me to go astray.

CHAPTER FORTY.

HOTEL GOSSIP.

It was yet early when I entered the village. I glided stealthily
through the streets, desirous to avoid observation. Unfortunately I had
to pass through the bar of the hotel in order to reach my room. It was
just before the hour of supper, and the guests had assembled in the bar
saloon and around the porch.

My tattered habiliments, in places stained with blood, and profusely
soiled with mud, could not escape notice; nor did they. Men turned and
gazed after me. Loiterers looked with eyes that expressed their
astonishment. Some in the portico, and others in the bar, hailed me as
I passed, asking me where I had been to. One cried out: "Hillow,
mister! you've had a tussle with the cats: hain't you?"

I did not make reply. I pushed on up-stairs, and found relief in the
privacy of my chamber.

I had been badly torn by the bushes. My wounds needed dressing. I
despatched a messenger for Reigart. Fortunately he was at home, and in
a few minutes followed my messenger to the hotel. He entered my room,
and stood staring at me with a look of surprise.

"My dear R--, where have you been?" he inquired at length.

"To the swamp."

"And those wounds--your clothes torn--blood?"

"Thorn-scratches--that's all."

"But where have you been?"

"In the swamp."

"In the swamp! but how came you to get such a mauling?"

"I have been bitten by a rattlesnake."

"What! bitten by a rattlesnak