ather's family, and we are attached to
Wayne's command."

"Thank God!" cried Carl Merriweather, springing from his place of
concealment and hastening toward the new comers.

"You saved your lives by washing the paint from your faces. What are
your names?"

"Mine is Harvey Catlett and my friend's is Abner Stark; but every where
they call him Wolf Cap," was the reply.

"And you are Mad Anthony's scouts? Glory!" the overjoyed youth shouted,
and then George Darling managed to get a word in.

"You are very welcome," he said. "Heaven knows that we need your
assistance. Did you know we were here?"

"We did," said young Catlett, "and as we feared that you might send a
bullet into the first red face that greeted you, we thought best to make
ours white before making your acquaintance."

"Thank God for that," responded Darling fervently, and he shuddered when
he thought how nearly he had taken the life of a succoring friend.

It was with joy that the youths led the scouts into the forest.

They felt that great assistance had been sent them from on high.

CHAPTER VIII.

A SECOND CATASTROPHE.

Harvey Catlett and his companion were received with great joy at the
camp near the river bank.

The fugitives took new hope with their appearance, and seemed to think
that the remainder of the journey to Wayne would be accomplished without
further trouble.

Mrs. Merriweather so expressed herself, when the young woodsman shook
his head and replied:

"We cannot save you in and of ourselves," he said; "but we will do all
we can. The trails to Wayne's army are dark and perilous. I do not seek
to keep anything back."

"That is right, sir," said the father quickly. "My wife is prone to
exaggerate good fortune. I do not want her to remain deceived. I
comprehend the situation, and am prepared for it."

"That is right," said Wolf Cap. "In these times one must know something
about Indian affairs."

"Now that we have exchanged our guide for you gentlemen, I am sure that
our fortunes will mend."

"Where is the guide of whom you have spoken?" asked Catlett, addressing
the head of the family.

"Across the river, I suppose," Abel Merriweather answered with a smile.

"Deserted?"

"Yes."

"Just like the worthless guides of these days. It is a wonder that he
did not get you into the Indian's power."

"He attempted to, but failed."

"Just so."

At Wolf Cap's request Merriweather related the attempt made to get the
boa