chase that Henry had undertaken, and ably did
his fleet foot sustain the credit which he had already gained. But
Gascoyne's foot was fleeter. Over every species of ground did the
sandal-wood trader lead the youth that morning. It seemed, in fact, as
if a spirit of mischief had taken possession of Gascoyne; for his
usually grave face was lighted up with a mingled expression of glee and
ferocity. It changed, too, and wore a sad expression at times, even when
the man seemed to be running for his life.

At last, after running until he had caused Henry to show symptoms of
fatigue, Gascoyne turned suddenly round, and shouting "Good-by, Henry,
my lad!" went straight up the mountain, and disappeared over the
dividing ridge on the summit.

Henry did not give in. The insult implied in the words renewed his
strength. He tightened his belt as he ran, and rushed up the mountain
almost as fast as Gascoyne had done; but when he leaped upon the ridge,
the fugitive had vanished!

That he had secreted himself in one of the numerous gorges or caves with
which the place abounded was quite clear; but it was equally clear that
no one could track him out in such a place unless he were possessed of a
dog's nose. The youth did indeed attempt it; but, being convinced that
he was only searching for what could not by any possibility be found, he
soon gave it up, and returned, disconsolate and crestfallen, to the
cottage.

CHAPTER XX.

MYSTERIOUS CONSULTATIONS AND PLANS--GASCOYNE ASTONISHES HIS FRIENDS, AND
MAKES AN UNEXPECTED CONFESSION.

"A pretty morning's work I have made of it, mother," said Henry, as he
flung himself into a chair in the cottage parlor, on his return from the
weary and fruitless chase which has just been recorded.

The widow was pale and haggard; but she could not help smiling as she
observed the look of extreme disappointment which rested on the
countenance of her son.

"True, Henry," she replied, busying herself in preparing breakfast, "you
have not been very successful; but you made a noble effort."

"Pshaw! a noble effort, indeed! Why, the man has foiled me in the two
things in which I prided myself most,--wrestling and running. I never
saw such a greyhound in my life."

"He is a giant, my boy; few men could hope to overcome him."

"True, as regards wrestling, mother; I am not much ashamed of having
been beaten by him at that; but running,--that's the sore point. Such a
weight he is, and yet he took