rom the cave.

We had capital sport, and a fat turkey which I shot put some more
strength into Dio's muscles. We were very happy in our roomy cave,
which was large enough to afford shelter to a dozen families, and we
agreed that we should like to spend several days there. However, we
were wanted at home, and Dio having completely recovered, we set off at
daybreak the following morning.

We stepped out so briskly, that although we made a circuit to avoid the
risk of falling in with strangers on the high road, we reached home soon
after sunset. We found the preparations for our departure much
advanced. My father had procured four waggons and several teams of
stout oxen, which were considered more suitable than horses for
traversing the prairies, as being hardier and better able to go a long
distance without water. My father, Mr Tidey, and I had a horse
a-piece, and Uncle Denis would, of course, bring his own with probably
half-a-dozen more for some of the men.

Martin Prentis was to remain with the purchaser of the property; indeed,
without his assistance, Mr McDermont would have been badly off. Our
overseer promised, however, when his services were not required, to join
us.

Three days after our return Uncle Denis arrived, bringing with him
several white men, among whom was his overseer, and two blacks, slaves
whom he had emancipated with the promise that they should labour for him
until they had paid the price of their freedom. "We shall see whether
they prove faithful or not," he remarked, as he described his
arrangements. Besides them Uncle Denis was accompanied by his overseer,
who, not being required on the farm, was in search of employment.
Greatly to our satisfaction, just as we were on the point of starting,
Martin Prentis came forward and offered to give up his situation to
Uncle Denis's overseer, Tom Sykes, if Tom would take it, and Mr
McDermont would agree to the arrangement. This he did, and it was
settled that Martin should accompany us, so that altogether we formed a
pretty large, well-armed party. We all had rifles, and a brace of
pistols, besides long knives in our belts, and my father and Uncle Denis
wore their swords.

Our uncle's followers, including Sam Hodding, his factotum, were sturdy
fellows, and if some of them were not very bright, they were all, he
said, as true as steel, while he believed that the two blacks,
influenced by gratitude, would prove perfectly faithful.

He brough