The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1860-03-17

m
kennel and lying down; but they still
kept their fiery eyes fixed upon the youth,
and their low, deep growing seemed to
tell that they did not fancy the presence
Of the interloper.
In the mean time the three ostiladors
conversed apart, and finally Saul and
Anselmo approached the prisoner, and
informed him that he was to accompany
them.
"We have learned the kings will"
said Saul, "and we know now exactly
what to do. we shall 90 with you
little way, and when you know our OBJ
iect don't think you'll want to make
any fuss. So don't be frightened"
II am not used to being frightened,
sirs !" said Fabian quickly and proudly.
81 didn't mean that you were" res
ponded the william. ''I only mean that
you shouldn't have any fears of us, for
thought you looked and acted as though
you fancied we would do you harm but
as Pm alive, we don't mean to harm you
in the least. We're not going to hurt
hair OF your head
Our hero wondered if Saul spoke tru-
ly. If he did, then what meant this Sc
cret departure from the camp? And, on
the other, hand if they did mean any
violence, what object could they have in
denying it ? Perhaps, to keep him quiet,
and thus render their work the more
easy. He pondered upon it, and was, in
the end, rather inclined to doubt the
truth of the villains assertions.
Meantime they had reached the deep
wood, at point where narrow, blind
hunting-path wound its devious way
among the big trees, and Anselmo had
taken small lantern from beneath his
frock to help light them on, for it was
very dark in the deep forest. The moon
was not yet up, and the stars could dart
but few beams through the rank foliage
of the great oaks. Saul held the prison.
err by the left arm, keeping close by his
side as they walked, while Anselmo kept
as near upon the other side as possible.
Fabian remembered his adventure with
Cover and Trogus upon the rocky pre-
cipice, and he could not help feeling that
these two scoundrcls might be medita-
ting the same kind of business as that
which he had before frustrated. If such
were the case how should he escape p
He had no weapon of any kind, while
his conductors were armed to the teeth.
He could think of but one chance, and
that was flight. If he could break away
from the villains, he might save himself.
With such thoughts in his mind, he
walked quietly along for some time. BY
and by he hesitated, and turned towards
the man who held him by the arm.
"Saul," he said, with much anxiety
manifest in his tone and manner, "was
there poison in that food you brought
me?"
"Poison? No-not a bit of it.
Why-what makes you ask the ques-
tion?"
Because l feel it here" replied the
youth, pressing his right hand upon his
bosom and uttoring groan. "I do not
feel right. 0, if there was poison in
it, tell mel If | am lying, let me
know p
'Bless your body, my master, you are
foolish! There was no more poison in
it than there is in maiden's kiss"
'"Then what is this faintness which
comes over me? Why can l not see as
l would? What is it % Aud the youth
put forth his hand as though he would
feel his way, at the same time staggcr-
ing, and leaning heavily uponshis guide.
"Myora Uadebel !" calculated Saul,
stopping and supporting the prisoner
"What is all this you must have eaten
too much, and drank too much of that
cold water (! l told the king he'd better
send you winel Here, Anselmo, take
hold of him."
The man thus addressed, set down his
lantern upon the ground, and started to
obey. This was the opportunity which
our hero had plotted for. As soon as he
saw that he had thrown the villains off
their guard, he gathered all his strength
for the effort, and with one blow he sent
Saul reeling to the earth. He then took
Anselmo, as he was rising from his LAM
tern, and served him in like manner;
and then he darted off along the narrow
path, at the top of his speed. In lit
tie while, however, it became evident to
the youth that he must soon be overta-
ken if he kept on in the path, for his
pursuers were gaining upon him every
moment. They were used to forest ran
ging, and could glide along among the
tangled boughs like beasts of prey.
Many thoughts flashed through Fa-
bian's mind, but they awaited him moth
ing lie regretted that he had not stop
ped and given the ruliians a few extra
taps on the head, while he had them
down but twas too late now. The on
ly hope was in concealment so, on the
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