departure; and whilst she was yet engaged in this care,
a confused murmur was heard, at some distance up the road--and the
rattle of sabres, as well as the hoarse voice and abrupt laughter of
men, announced that the freebooters were at no great distance from the
dwelling.

"Merciful heaven!" exclaimed Mildred, giving way for the first time to
her fears; "they are fast approaching, and we shall be captured."

"Sister," said Henry, with scarcely less alarm, "I will die by your
side, before they shall hurt a hair of your head."

Horse Shoe, who at this moment was tightening the girths of Mildred's
saddle, paused for an instant to listen, and then said:

"The wind is north-east, young lady, and the voice sounds far to-night.
One could hardly expect you to be cool when one of these night-frays is
coming on, but there's no occasion to be frightened. Now, ma'am, if you
please, I'll heave you into your seat. There," continued the sergeant,
setting Mildred upon her horse, "you have got four good legs under you,
and by a fair use of them will be as safe as a crowned king. Mister
Henry, mount, and ride with your sister slowly down the road, till I
overtake you."

Henry obeyed the order.

"Is the portmanteau and the rest of the baggage all safe, Isaac? Don't
be flurried, you old sinner, but look about you, before you start off."

"All safe," replied the negro.

"Up and follow your master, then. Hark you, Mr. Bloody Spur," said Horse
Shoe, as Isaac rode off, to the trooper, who was still actively employed
in turning the cattle loose from the inclosure, "what is the best road
hereabouts for my squad to keep out of the way of these bullies?"

"About a mile from here, take a road that strikes into the woods, upon
your right hand," answered the trooper hastily, "it will lead you up the
river to the falls of Pedee. If you should meet any of Marion's men,
tell them what you have seen; and say Dick Peyton will be along close
after you."

"Where is Marion?" asked the sergeant, mounting his horse.

"What man that knows Frank Marion could ever answer that question?" said
the trooper. "He is everywhere, friend. But you have no time to lose: be
off."

As Bloody Spur said this, he disappeared, driving the cattle before him;
whilst the mother, laden with an infant and as many pieces of furniture
as she could carry, and followed by her terrified children, fled towards
the neighboring thicket.

Horse Shoe in a few moments overtook