er Jim!" cried Rawbon, discharging his revolver at the
dusky form as it ran like a deer into the shadow of the woods. At every
shot, the negro jumped and screamed, but, from his accelerated speed,
was apparently untouched.

"After him, boys!" shouted Rawbon. "Five dollars apiece and a gallon of
whisky if you bring the varmint in."

With a whoop, the whole party went off in chase and were soon lost to
view in the darkness.

Harold and Arthur led Oriana into the hut, and, spreading their coats
upon the damp floor, made a rude couch for her beside the fire. The poor
girl was evidently prostrated with fatigue and excitement, yet, with a
faint laugh and a jest as she glanced around upon the questionable
accommodations, she thanked them for their kindness, and seated herself
beside the blazing fagots.

"This is a strange finale to our pleasure excursion," she said, as the
grateful warmth somewhat revived her spirits. "You must acknowledge me a
prophetess, gentlemen," she added, with a smile, "for you see that we
sailed indeed into the shadows of misfortune."

"Should your health not suffer from this exposure," replied Arthur, "our
adventure will prove no misfortune, but only a theme for mirth
hereafter, when we recall to mind our present piteous plight."

"Oh, I am strong, Mr. Wayne," she answered cheerfully, perceiving the
expression of solicitude in the countenances of her companions, "and
have passed the ordeal of many a thorough wetting with impunity. Never
fear but I shall fare well enough. I am only sorry and ashamed that all
our boasted Virginia hospitality can afford you no better quarters than
this for your last night among us."

"Apart from the discomfort to yourself, this little episode will only
make brighter by contrast my remembrance of the many happy hours we have
passed together," said Arthur, with a tone of deep feeling that caused
Oriana to turn and gaze thoughtfully into the flaming pile.

Harold said nothing, and stood leaning moodily against the wall of the
hovel, evidently a prey to painful thoughts. His mind wandered into the
glooms of the future, and dwelt upon the hour when he, perhaps, should
tread with hostile arms the soil that was the birthplace of his beloved.
"Can it be possible," he thought, "that between us twain, united as we
are in soul, there can exist such variance of opinion as will make her
kin and mine enemies, and perhaps the shedders of each other's blood!"

There was a paus