ot fit for use this season of the year; but
suppose that a danger suddenly threatened us. Is it likely, Chris,
that I would always have time to stop and explain just why I wanted you
to do this or that?"

But Chris was suffering too much pain and humiliation to be soothed by
Charley's explanation. With a snort of anger he dug the spurs into his
pony's flanks and soon was far ahead of the rest of the party. In a
few minutes he came tearing back to them, his face shining with
excitement.

"River ahead, river ahead," he shouted.

"It's the St. Johns," declared Captain Westfield, scarcely less
excited. "There's no other river in these parts."

Although they spurred forward their jaded steeds the animals were so
worn out that it was dusk before they reached the river bank, and they
went into camp immediately.

After the supper was over, Chris approached Charley, who was sitting
apart from the rest, grave, silent, and evidently buried in deepest
thought. The little darky began awkwardly, "Massa Charley, Massa Cap
say you de leader an' he going to do just what you say widout axin' no
questions, Massa Walt say same ting, an' I guess Chris better say same,
now. Golly, I jus' reckon dis nigger made a big fool of hisself over
dat bird."

But although he answered Chris lightly and kindly, Charley was not
elated over his unsought leadership. Vague suspicions were flitting
through his mind, and his new responsibility was weighing heavily upon
his young shoulders. As the evening wore on he still sat silent,
buried in thought. The captain was reading aloud from an old newspaper
he had brought along. Suddenly Charley straightened up, and a swift
glance passed between him and Walter.

CHAPTER V.

THE 'GATOR HUNTERS.

The captain was laboriously spelling out the scare-head articles by the
flickering firelight.

"Desperadoes at large."

"Last night twelve convicts, all of them life prisoners, escaped from
E. B. Richardson's turpentine camp near Turnbull. The escape was
effected by their overpowering the guards while their supper was being
served them. One guard was killed and the balance were gagged and tied
up to posts in the barracks. The revolters stripped their prisoners of
arms, ammunition and what money they had. Next they broke into the
commissary, taking a large amount of clothing and provisions and
wantonly destroying the rest. They then made their escape on horses
belonging to the guards. As