the delay which had
occurred, lest in the mean time, eager to commence their work of
slaughter, the Indians might have attacked the house. He and Oliver,
riding on either side of Virginia, accompanied by Ben and the rest of
the horsemen, pushed on, leaving the men on foot to follow as fast as
they could. The horses' hoofs were scarcely heard on the soft ground.
They had got almost within sight of the house, when Gilbert caught sight
of the figure of an Indian running at full speed. Another and another
started up. It was evident they had been taken by surprise. Gilbert
called to his companions, who dashed on; but the Indians turning into
the still uncleared forest on the right, were lost to sight. Their
flight, and the hour they were on the road, showed that their intentions
were evil.

"They were probably waiting till the family should come out of the house
in the early morning to set upon them," observed Gilbert to Oliver.
"Thank Heaven we are in time to prevent their design."

Though anxious to place Virginia in safety, he was doubting whether,
with the enemy so close at hand, it was not his duty to wait for the
rest of the party on foot.

"No, no, Master Gilbert; you go on and get the young lady safe inside
the house, and I'll trot back and let our friends know that there are
Indians abroad, so that they may not be taken by surprise," cried Ben,
who, not waiting for an answer, set off at once; while Gilbert and the
rest of the horsemen galloped on, closely surrounding Virginia, till
they reached the front of Vaughan's house. Gilbert's shouts quickly
awakened Vaughan, who, recognising his brother's voice, hastened down to
the door. In a few words Gilbert explained the reason of their coming
to his brother, who having had no suspicions of the Indians, confessed
that he should have admitted them into the house without hesitation.
The appearance of the Indians in the neighbourhood decided him on
remaining to defend his house, instead of seeking for protection in the
town, as Gilbert had at first proposed. The horses were immediately
taken round to the back of the house, and, as they would certainly be
killed if left in the stables, they were all brought inside and placed
in an unfurnished room.

"I am indeed grateful to you, my brave sister-in-law, for thus coming to
my help," exclaimed Cicely, as she embraced Virginia.

Vaughan and Gilbert, with the other gentlemen, and the labourers who had
slept in the