ening attentively for any sound
which might betoken the approach of pursuers, but except the notes of
the song-birds, and the harsher screams of the wild-fowl as they skimmed
along the banks, nothing could they hear, and after resting for a few
minutes they again, with renewed strength, sped onwards. Still, as they
ran, they looked for a canoe, but none could they discover.

"We shall have to build a raft, after all," said Gilbert; "but no
matter, if it will float us we will manage to get down to the sea, and
then make our way along the shore till we reach the mouth of the James
River."

"Let us first get beyond the reach of our late friends," answered
Fenton: "it would not be safe to stop as yet, for, depend on it, they
will pursue us if they once discover our trail."

Gilbert agreeing with this, they sped on as before. The country before
them was again partially open, here and there interspersed with clumps
of trees and copses, where the depth of soil allowed their growth.

They had just passed through a small wood when they saw before them a
tall figure proceeding in the same direction in which they were going,
but far more leisurely. "Can it be an Indian?" exclaimed Fenton,
placing his hand on Gilbert's arm for a moment as they stopped to
observe him.

"He wears a dress of skins and mocassins; he has a quiver on his back,
and bow in his hand," observed Gilbert.

"Yes," replied Fenton, "but no Indian has his head covered with a hat
like that, and see, if I mistake not, he has a sword girded to his side,
such as an Indian never carries."

"Then let us overtake him," exclaimed Gilbert; "should he prove to be an
enemy, we are two to one, we need not fear him, although my hope is that
he is a friend."

"On, then," cried Fenton, and, setting off, they quickly gained on the
stranger. Hearing their footsteps, he turned and faced them,
cautiously, as he did so, fixing an arrow in his bow. The moment he saw
them, however, he withdrew it, letting the arrow fall to the ground, and
hastened with hurried strides towards them. They now saw that he was
indeed a white man, with a flowing long beard, which made him appear
older than he really was. He looked from one to the other with an
inquiring gaze. Gilbert's heart bounded within him.

"Can it be?" exclaimed the stranger, as he stretched out his arms. "Art
thou Gilbert Audley?"

"Yes, father, yes," exclaimed Gilbert, as he sprang forward, and the
next instant