he
pawpaw thicket is the very place. Let us seek it! It lies in this
direction."

D'Hauteville rode forward among the tree-trunks. I followed
mechanically. I felt satisfied he know the ground better than I! He
must have been here before, was my reflection.

We had not gone many steps before the blue light blazed a third time;
and we could see, directly in front of us, the smooth shining branches
and broad green leaves of the _Asiminas_, forming the underwood of the
forest.

When the lightning flashed again, we had entered the thicket.

Dismounting in its midst, we hastily tied our bridles to the branches;
and then, leaving our horses to themselves, we returned towards the open
ground.

Ten minutes' walking enabled us to regain the zigzag railing that shut
in the plantation of Gayarre.

Directing ourselves along this, in ten minutes after we arrived opposite
the house--which by the electric blaze we could distinguish shining
among the tall cotton-wood trees that grew around it. At this point we
again made a stop to reconnoitre the ground, and consider how we should
proceed.

A wide field stretched from the fence almost to the walls. A garden
enclosed by palings lay between the field and the house; and on one side
we could perceive the roofs of numerous cabins denoting the negro
quarter. At some distance in the same direction, stood the sugar-mill
and other outbuildings, and near these the house of Gayarre's overseer.

This point was to be avoided. Even the negro quarter must be shunned,
lest we might give alarm. The dogs would be our worst enemies. I knew
that Gayarre kept several. I had often seen them along the roads.
Large fierce animals they were. How were they to be shunned? They
would most likely be rambling about the outbuildings or the negro
cabins; therefore, our safest way would be to approach from the opposite
side.

If we should fail to discover the apartment of Aurore, then it would be
time to make reconnaissance in the direction of the "quarter," and
endeavour to find the boy Caton.

We saw lights in the house. Several windows--all upon the
ground-floor--were shining through the darkness. More than one
apartment therefore was occupied.

This gave us hope. One of them might be occupied by Aurore.

"And now, Monsieur!" said D'Hauteville, after we had discussed the
various details, "suppose we fail? suppose some alarm be given, and we
be detected before--?"

I turned, and lo