mpany us to Cherry Valley, and return with the horses before the
morning star rises, which will prevent our place of retreat being
discovered."

As soon as Nelly's father and mother were lost in dreamless slumbers,
Nelly passed out of her chamber with noiseless steps, carrying her
wearing apparel in a bundle, closely packed, and found Mayall and his
friend in readiness, with three horses saddled and equipped for the
journey. The company were quickly mounted on three spirited horses, and
reached Cherry Valley at eleven o'clock P. M.--a place Nelly had never
seen before. No cottage window showed the light of a taper; but the
light of the full moon fell in tranquil loveliness upon the rounded
hill-tops, and the glittering stars added their beauty to the heavens,
while the green forest and flowering shrubbery clothed the earth with
beauty, and the sweet-scented clover perfumed the surrounding air. The
company dismounted under a broad, spreading forest tree at the south end
of the village, near which ran a little rivulet, that meandered in
graceful curves southward. Here Mayall and Nelly G. gave the hand of
their friend a hearty shake, and an affectionate farewell, enjoining on
him the strictest secrecy as he started on his return journey to the
Valley of the Mohawk, which he reached just in time to return Nolly's
horse to her father's stable and his own to the pasture, before the
morning sun dashed her light on all the western hills, and painted the
surrounding groves in all the glory of summer.

The father of Nelly awoke with the morning light, and called for his
lovely daughter to rise and behold the beauties of the morning. No voice
gave back the welcome response. He called again. The voice that used to
cheer him with her morning song was far away with her lover. Her
bedchamber was as silent as the house of death. He rushed wildly about
his outbuildings, calling for his Nelly. No answer came, as usual,
floating on the morning breeze, to greet his listening ear. He returned
to the house. His wife had searched in vain for her daughter; but found
her most valuable wearing apparel was missing, which told a sad tale,
whilst no traces could be found of her place of retreat. Next the stable
was examined, and Nelly's horse was found as he had left him the night
previous. He rode to every place where he thought she would be likely to
go, but no trace could be found. He inquired for Mayall, and was told
that he was seen the eveni