said Butler, as he concluded the
inspection of his pistols and now held one of them ready in his hand.
"Can we have lost ourselves? Should we not have reached the Pacolet
before this?"

"I have seen no road that could take us astray," replied Robinson, "and,
by what we were told just before sundown, I should guess that we
couldn't be far off the ford. We hav'n't then quite three miles to
Christie's. Well, courage, major! supper and bed were never spoiled by
the trouble of getting to them."

"Wat Adair, I think, directed us to Christie's?" said Butler.

"He did; and I had a mind to propose to you, since we caught him in a
trick this morning, to make for some other house, if such a thing was
possible, or else to spend the night in the woods."

"Perhaps it would be wise, sergeant; and if you think so still, I will
be ruled by you."

"If we once got by the river-side where our horses mought have water, I
almost think I should advise a halt there. Although I have made one
observation, Major Butler--that running water is lean fare for a hungry
man. Howsever, it won't hurt us, and if you say the word we will stop
there."

"Then, sergeant, I do say the word."

"Isn't that the glimmering of a light yonder in the bushes?" inquired
Horse Shoe, as he turned his gaze in the direction of the bivouac, "or
is it these here lightning bugs that keep so busy shooting about?"

"I thought I saw the light you speak of, Galbraith; but it has
disappeared."

"It is there again, major; and I hear the rushing of the river--we are
near the ford. Perhaps this light comes from some cabin on the bank."

"God send that it should turn out so, Galbraith! for I am very weary."

"There is some devilment going on in these woods, major. I saw a figure
pass in front of the light through the bushes. I would be willing to
swear it was a man on horseback. Perhaps we have, by chance, fallen on
some Tory muster; or, what's not so likely, they may be friends. I think
I will ride forward and challenge."

"Better pass unobserved, if you can, sergeant," interrupted Butler. "It
will not do for us to run the risk of being separated. Here we are at
the river; let us cross, and ride some distance; then, if any one follow
us, we shall be more certain of his design."

They now cautiously advanced into the river, which, though rapid, was
shallow; and having reached the middle of the stream, they halted to
allow their horses water.

"Captain Peter is as th