sgivings had
taken root also within her father's mind.

"Because of Feathertop?" she asked bravely.

"Yes. He is never lurking about unless he means business."

"Could David and Jim have been misinformed?"

"I don't think so."

"Then, father, I shall ride to the village."

[Sidenote: Rosalind's Resolve]

McArthur looked at his daughter. He saw her face, he saw her figure.
Both were alive with determination and courage.

"Rosalind, you will kill your mother if you attempt to do such a
thing."

"Don't tell her unless you are obliged. It is to save her that I do it.
Give her a rifle--keep her employed--let her think I am with some of the
neighbours. Father, we do not know if we shall be outnumbered. If we
are, what will happen? All your cattle will go--your whole property will
be ruined, and, worse than all put together, we shall probably lose our
lives in a horrible manner."

"I acknowledge all that you say, but one of the men must go. You with
your rifle can take his place, and do just as much execution as he
can----"

David put his head in at the door.

"We've brought all the live-stock as close to the house as possible. Jim
has been stealing round the plantation by the river, and says he has
distinctly seen three Redskins on the other side of the river. We must
be prepared for an attack this evening."

"David, can you get me Golightly without attracting attention? I am
going to ride him at once to the village."

"Mercy on us!" exclaimed David. "Is there no one but you to do that?"

"No. You and all the rest must defend my father and mother. I shall keep
on this side of the river, and will go through the wood. If I go at once
I may prevent an attack. David, every minute is of value. Fetch me
Golightly. Father, I am not of such importance as the men here, but I
can ride, and I can defend myself with my rifle if need be."

"Then God go with you, my child."

Only McArthur, and David, and the moon saw Rosalind spring to her seat
on Golightly's back. Only the moon saw her with flushed cheeks and
beating heart riding for life through the trees of the forest. If only
she could get clear of the first two or three miles, she was safe to
reach her destination in time.

The track was clearly discernible except when the swiftly-flying clouds
obscured the moon's light. The soughing of the wind in the tree-tops,
together with the soft springy turf, helped to somewhat deaden the
sound of Golightly's hoofs. The