seemed riveted upon his work, and not
once did I observe his eyes turned backward for a glimpse of the
Missouri shore. The fellow plainly enough realized the situation--that
safety for himself depended on keeping beyond the reach of his master.
To this end he devoted every instant diligently to coaxing his engine
and a skillful guidance of the boat, never once permitting his head to
turn far enough to glance at me, although I could occasionally detect
his eyes wandering in the direction of the girl.

She had not uttered a word, nor changed her posture since first
entering the boat, but remained just as I had seated her, one hand
grasping the edge of the cockpit, her gaze on the rushing waters ahead.
I could realize something of what must be passing through her mind--the
mingling of doubt and fear which assailed her in this strange
environment. Up until now she had been accorded no opportunity to
think, to consider the nature of her position; she had been compelled
to act wholly upon impulse and driven blindly to accept my suggestions.
And now, in this silence, the reaction had come, and she was already
questioning if she had done right.

It was in my heart to speak to her, in effort to strengthen her faith,
but I hesitated, scarcely knowing what to say, deeply touched by the
pathetic droop of her figure, and, in truth, uncertain in my own mind
as to whether or not we had chosen the wiser course. All I dared do
was to silently reach out one hand, and rest it gently on those fingers
clasping the rail. She did not remove her hand from beneath mine, nor,
indeed, give the slightest evidence that she was even aware of my
action. By this time the eastern shore became dimly defined through
the black mist, and the downward sweep of the current no longer struck
in force against our bow.

"Wus Ah ter turn nor', sah?" asked the negro, suddenly.

"Yes, up-stream, but keep in as close to the shore as you think safe.
There is no settlement along this bank, is there?"

"No, sah; dar's jus' one cabin, 'bout a mile up-stream, but dar ain't
nobody livin' thar now. Whar yer all aim fer ter go?"

I hesitated an instant before I answered, yet, almost as quickly,
decided that the whole truth would probably serve us best. The man
already had one reason to use his best endeavors; now I would bring
before him a second.

"Just as far up the river before daylight as possible, Sam. Then I
hope to uncover some hiding place where we