Year: 1863

| lfulL OF lnclT tNltUtgSNCt.


| We can not linger to detail the minute
and, to other men, imperceptible signs, or
the acute and logical reasonings upon those
which led these adventurers unerringly
upon their way; though all would illus.
trate, so clearly, the principle above. They
followed the trail, after il left the stream
several miles toward the north when, on
entering the broken country at the head
waters of the Piasn, it verged suddenly to
the left, and led, almost as the bird flies,
directly toward the Illinois river. A little
before sunset they reached the banks OF
that tranquil stream and but moments
examination was sufficient to determine
that the fugitives had crossed here some
hours before.


But this was not the only interference
that Edgar drew from the signs of their
halt. The footprints of several horses led
off from the river, in different directions
but it was in that uncertain, winding which
animals take while grazing-and from the
! extent of these paths, il was evident that a
halt of some duration had been made
! While infinitely examining the ground, the
Captain suddenly discovered the print of a
! small SHOE and following it a little aside
he approached the river bank, and discov-
cred the impress of both James feet in the
soft loan. Directly over these, upon a will
| low branch hung small shell comb--evi-
IDENTITY placed there as signal for him.
Besides her footprints were those of two
savages, who had sought her, and dragged
her roughly back to the halting point. Ed
gar noted these things with the coolness,
but also with the fierceness of the ranger
and-grasping his rifle tighter in his hand
walked back to his companion,


"They must have halted here two or
| .hree hours" said the latter.


"They think they outwitted us, and are
safe" replied Edgar. but they can not
be more than three hours ahead of us, and
| think we may overhaul them tonight"


They are twenty to two, said White
1--WE must wait for the men,"


1--WE can cross the river" Edgar an
swered, "and ride on as long as we have light.
BY that time we can see which direction
the Indians have taken you can then re-
turn here and hasten up the men, who must
reach this point before midnight"
1t required but few minutes to cross
the river, which at that season was always
low. Upon the western bank the trail was
still more apparent than upon the eastern.
Here also, there had been halt, though
not so long.





| Edgar, " and we should overhaul them :" he
| forgot that his force was but one to ten---
! that he was moro than a hundred miles from
any settlement in the midst of vast soli-
tude, where he could meet none but ene-
mics. Nor would the reflection have dis
turbed him, had it occurred. He saw but
one image-the helpless captive in the
hands of his most hated foes and, cool and
| censiderate as he usually was, he would not
have hesitated to encounter the whole band
with his single strong arm. Fortunately,
perhaps, no such opportunity seemed likely
to be offered him for, after winding about
for few miles among the bluffs the trail
assembled the ridge which divides the two
rivers, and here again turning ward the
north the fugitives had evidently increased
their speed, The long twilight, too. was
deepening into night and the fear OF again
going astray wonld compel the halt so soon
as the tracks became invisible.


They followed, however, with ali practi-
cable speed. for an hour longcr-dismounted
at every offshot from the main ridge to as
certain their direction but at the end of
the time it was no longer safe to proceed,
and Edgar reluctantly drew up.


You had better return to the river, now, q,
White" said he land bring the men up
as fast as possible. expect You before
daybreak"


"If they do not come up, will return
myself" said White and, turning about,
he rode away to the south.


The hardy Ranger was now left alone in
the midst of the wilderness. Night had
closed in, moonless-and the stars twinllled
but family down through the woods. The
wind-as is usual in this country-had sub
sided toward evening, and sunset had been
followed by dead calm. When the foot
steps of Whites horse died away in the
distance, the silence of the grave added
depth and awe to the solitude. No branch
waved-scarcely leaf stirred and even
the trickling of little spring, in yavne
near him only served to make the stiffness
audible-as a glimmering light but renders
darkness visible.


Edgar dismounted and led his tired horse
in the direction of the sound and, having
allowed him to drink, dvested him of his
harness, and picketed him Oh IA slope of
green grass near the spring. His own
thirst satisfied, lie then seated himself at
the foot of the tree and, drawing blanket
over him, endeavOred to sleep. The still
ness was broken only by his horse eagerly
cropping the sweet grassland the monot-
ony of the dripping fountain, combined
with his fatigue soon brought on that half
dreamy state which precedes oblivion. In
deed his head was thrown back against
the tree, and his eyes We're closed, when
he suddenly sprung to his feet and standing
as motionless as the tree about him, as.
sumed the attitude of profound listening.