ter received me warmly; from whose lips I heard, with thrilling
emotion, the particulars of the pursuit, headed by himself, and the
rescue of two of my dearest friends, their present abode, as also many
startling events that had transpired during my absence; and in return,
I communicated to him the alarming intelligence which I have before
alluded to. So soon as I felt myself sufficiently strong for the
journey, I left Boonesborough for Bryan's Station, and here I am, and
thus my tale."

"And a mighty tough time you've had on't Mr. Reynolds, for sartin, and
no mistake," rejoined Mrs. Younker, with a sigh, wiping her eyes. "Ah!
me--poor Ben!--poor Ben!--I'm a widder now in arnest. Well, the Lord's
will be done. The good Book says, 'The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh
away, blessed be the name of the Lord;' and them good words, my children
and friends, must be our consolation."

But little more was said; for each of the party felt oppressed with a
weight of sadness, at the thought of the many mournful events a year had
brought forth; and as the hour was late, each and all presently betook
themselves to rest.

Meantime, the preparations of the garrison for the morrow had been going
forward in every part of the station; lights were moving to and fro; and
all within the cabins, and on the common, was bustle and activity. At
last the sounds gradually ceased, the lights went out one by one, and
all finally became tranquil for the night.

About an hour before day-break, the sleepers began to rouse themselves,
and all was soon again in commotion. Horses were led forth, saddled,
returned and fed, and every thing got in readiness to throw open the
gates and march forth so soon as it should become sufficiently light for
the purpose.

At last came the exciting moment of all. Some were standing in groups,
and weeping bitterly at the thought of parting, perhaps for the last
time, with their fathers, husbands and sons; some were running to and
fro with anxious messages; some were clasping each other to their
hearts, in agonizing silence, and praying in secret that the Great Ruler
of all might preserve and happily restore them again to the idols of
their affections; some had mounted their noble steeds, or were leading
them forth for the purpose--and all was in Babel-like confusion.

"Farewell, my friends," said Algernon, as he stood in the door of Mrs.
Younker's cottage, grasping one after another the proffered hands of
its weeping