store,
and drove off with the fine team. He knew his father would not be back
till after it was time to close the shop. The coast was clear, and I
lost not a moment in carrying out my plans. I took an armful of Flora's
things, and went down to the verge of the swamp with them. I called Sim,
and told him what I intended to do as we walked back to the house. Our
operations were all carried on in the rear of the house, where none of
the neighbors could see us; and I loaded down the wheelbarrow to its
utmost capacity. But even then we could not carry everything, and I left
several bundles behind the barn, where we could readily obtain them for
a second load. I intended to take Bully with me, but I could not find
him. He was in the habit of making journeys about the village, and he
missed his destiny by being absent at this time.

It was after sundown when our little procession started for the swamp. I
felt as though I was taking the great step of my lifetime, and winning
the final triumph over my tyrants.

CHAPTER XVI.

DOWN THE RIVER.

First steps are always full of interest, at least to those who take
them; and, as I look back upon the eventful time when our little
procession left the back of the barn, it looms up as the most exciting
moment of my life, if I except the instant when I was struggling with
Sim Gwynn in the water. I was leaving the only home I had known for
years, and was going on a strange voyage down the river on a raft. I
shall not soon forget the emotions which agitated me.

[Illustration: DOWN THE RIVER.--Page 178.]

Sim led the way with the wheelbarrow piled high with Flora's bed,
bundles of clothing, blankets, sheets, and comforters, while I brought
up the rear, dragging Flora's wagon, in which she was seated. My poor
sister was quite cheerful, and did not seem to be disturbed by any
timidity.

"Hurry up, Sim!" I called to my file-leader. "We have no time to lose."

"Won't Captain Fishley come after us?" asked Flora, as Sim quickened his
pace.

"He will if he knows where to come; but the swamp will be the last place
in the world where any one would think of looking for us. Before morning
we shall be miles away. Don't be alarmed, Flora."

"I am not alarmed. I feel ever so much better than I did when I thought
of meeting Mrs. Fishley again. Do you think it is right for us to do
this, Buckland?"

"Right! Of course it is. I don't know of any reason why we should stay
with Captain Fis