d a party intended to escort back
the stores. Juanita was thus even better protected than we had
expected. We had been somewhat anxious on her account, lest by some
chance the Indian chief should get notice of our intended journey, and
make an attempt to cut us off. There was, however, not much chance of
his doing so, as it was believed that he was fully occupied with fresh
troops sent against him in the north-west; still so wonderful were the
means of obtaining information possessed by the Redskins, and so rapid
their movements, that it was impossible to say in what direction they
might not appear. A road had been cut between the fort and the river,
which greatly facilitated our progress; although, not having been used
for some time, it was overgrown with long grass and low bushes, which it
was necessary in some places to cut away.

My father and I endeavoured to cheer poor Juanita. During all that she
had previously gone through, her spirits and courage had never once
flagged. Now, she appeared to be sadly despondent. She told me that
she had a foreboding that Castle Kearney had been destroyed by the
Indians and all within it massacred. I of course tried to persuade her
that such fears were without foundation, and that we should find her
mother and sister well, with the house standing where we had left it.

"Can you surmise, Maurice, what has become of Mr. Rochford?" she asked
suddenly, showing that, at all events, she had not forgotten our friend,
who had so gallantly rescued her from the Indians.

"I am constantly thinking on the subject, and wondering why he does not
appear," I answered. "My father is as puzzled as I am; but we are
certain no unworthy motive keeps him away. I can only conjecture that
he has either gone to try and induce Oceola to make such offers to the
Government as he thinks will be accepted, or else he has returned to the
black fugitives with a view of benefiting them in some way or other.
Whatever he may be doing, I have no doubt that he is influenced by good
motives, although his plans may not be so feasible as he supposes."

"Of that I am very sure!" exclaimed Juanita, warmly. "I did not
understand your friend when he was at Castle Kearney, and I thought him
very presumptuous; but I have since learned to appreciate him as he
deserves."

I thought it better to make no answer to this remark of my fair cousin.
I could only say that I hoped Rochford would escape the dangers to whic