e average, but
the circumstances of his life had not been such as to develop his
powers, and give play to his ambition; hence, he was apparently becoming
disappointed, sour, and morose. At least, this was the impression which
many of his friends had gained, and they accounted for the gradual
change in his manners on the above theory; namely, that he was the
victim of disappointed ambition.

During their stay at the plantation, the gentlemen usually spent their
evenings together, while the mornings were given up to business by
Drysdale, and to hunting by Andrews. The plantation required a great
deal of attention just in the spring, and Drysdale's time was pretty
well occupied. Andrews easily formed the acquaintance of the neighboring
planters, and he spent much of his time in paying visits around the
country. He thought quite favorably of buying the Bristed plantation, as
Drysdale had hoped, but the owner wished to sell another place with it,
and Andrews did not care to buy both. Drysdale suggested that by autumn,
the owner would be willing to sell it separately, and he advised Andrews
to hold off until then.

On Thursday, Andrews started out shooting early, agreeing to be back at
noon, to make an early start for Atkinson, as the time required to ride
there, was about four hours. He strayed so far away, however, that it
was two o'clock before he returned, and they did not mount their horses
until three o'clock. By this time, they had become much more intimate
than one would have expected on so short acquaintance, and Drysdale
showed a marked pleasure in the company of his new friend. During the
first part of the ride, he was as brilliant and entertaining as
possible, but, as they approached the town, he began to lose his
cheerfulness, and to become almost gloomy. Both gentlemen were rather
tired, and they soon allowed the conversation to drop almost wholly.

It was early dusk when they reached the banks of Rocky Creek, about a
mile from Drysdale's house. From this point, the scenery was bold and
picturesque; the road passed through heavy masses of timber at times,
and crossed many ravines and rocky gorges, as it followed the general
direction of the winding stream. Daylight was rapidly fading into the
night, though objects could still be distinguished quite well at a
distance of one hundred yards. As they arrived at one of the wooded
hillocks, over which the road passed, they were shut out from any very
extended view,