way
homeward; and as soon as the tent was struck, the steeds, which had been
tethered in the shade with their heads in nose-bags, were bridled and
saddled.

"To horse! to horse! ladies and gentlemen," shouted Mr Twigg. "We must
brave the heat and dust, instead of riding home by moonlight as we
proposed; we shall enjoy the cool evening all the more on our arrival."

The younger members of the party, who had heard nothing of the cause
which had created anxiety in the minds of Major Malcolm and Mr Ferris,
were somewhat surprised at the summons, but quickly prepared to start.

"Let me assist you to mount, Miss Pemberton," said Major Malcolm.
Leading forward her horse, and placing his hand a little above the
ground, he dexterously lifted her into her saddle. Lieutenant Belt,
imitating his example, brought forward Ellen's steed, and was delighted
to find that she accepted his services, poor Archie being compelled to
fall into the rear. The party on horseback led the way, the carriages
rattling after them. Major Malcolm, who once having gone a road never
forgot it, rode on with Miss Pemberton, Ellen and her cavalier following
close behind them. They had just passed the cliff, when, the road being
broad and level, Fanny proposed a canter. They had ridden on about a
mile further, when they saw, beneath the shade of the tall trees
directly ahead, a horseman galloping at full speed towards them. As he
approached he was seen to be a white-headed negro, his hat, which just
then blew off, exposing his hoary locks.

"He is old Martin, Mr Twigg's butler," exclaimed Fanny. "What could
have made him come out to meet us in so great a hurry?"

"Where Massa Twigg?" exclaimed the old man. "I tank Heaven I meet you
so soon."

"He is close behind," answered Major Malcolm. "I trust that you are not
the bearer of bad news?"

"Yes, sar, I bring berry bad news: we all hab our troats cut and be
murdered and burnt before dis night," answered old Martin, who had
fastened a huge silver spur to one of his heels, and had caught up a
slave-driver's whip. Without waiting for further questions he galloped
forward, leaving Major Malcolm and Miss Pemberton as ignorant as at
first of what had occurred.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

MR. TWIGG RIDES FORWARD TO PREPARE FOR THE DEFENCE OF THE HOUSE--THE
REST OF THE PARTY FOLLOW--ENCOUNTER A PARTY OF BLACKS--PROVE TO BE
FRIENDS--THE OVERSEERS INCREDULITY--PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENDING THE
HOUSE--DOUBT