d Tim, take
the other side; and let our friends pass between us. Then wheel round,
and cover them as they gallop on. We shall soon distance these old
hags, who, seeing that they have no chance of overtaking us, will soon
give up the pursuit."

I could not help giving way to a loud shout as Rochford, with Juanita,
almost fainting, in his arms, rode up. I was joined in it by my
companions; and we were all in another instant galloping along at a rate
which quickly enabled us to distance our pursuers, although not to get
out of earshot of their terrific cries.

Not until we had galloped for a couple of miles did we pull rein, when
we halted to allow Juanita to recover herself, and to congratulate her
and Rochford on their escape. Captain Norton inquired whether Juanita
felt able to mount the horse we had brought. She replied that she would
do as Rochford advised; but was ready to do so, if necessary.

"Jump on its back, then," said Carlos; "we shall go all the faster. You
can manage a steed as well as any of us."

Juanita looked at Rochford, and then allowed him and her brother to help
her on her horse. When once she was seated in the saddle, she appeared
herself again. There was no time to make inquiries as to how Rochford
had contrived to carry her off. We had not only to escape from the
people in the village who might come in pursuit of us, but also to avoid
Spotted Wolf's party, who would be certain, should they discover our
trail, to follow us up and try to avenge his death.

In a way we had little expected, we had thus far accomplished the object
of our expedition. Still, many dangers lay before us. Had it not been
necessary to return to Fort King to rejoin my father, we should have
felt inclined to push across the Ocklawaha for the banks of the Saint
John River, and so make our way to Castle Kearney. The distance,
however, was great; and unless we could find a boat, our ammunition
might fail before we could reach it, and Juanita might be exposed to
more fatigue than she would be able to bear. Towards Fort King,
therefore, we directed our course. Juanita declared that she could
gallop the whole distance if the horses could continue going. But we
had great reason to fear that they could not accomplish this task; for
although they had had a long noon-day rest, they had already been
galloping for several hours. Still, we determined to push forward
during daylight, and to continue on at night should t