e she had visited that morning. A
large fireplace was on one side. There was no window, and only one
door. Two cheap beds were in two corners of the room. In another corner
there were a number of bundles of provisions. A few cooking utensils
were on the hearth, and a few dishes were on the table. The door on the
inside was secured by a heavy bar which fell into a strong socket, the
bar being fastened by a stout padlock.

Zibe Turner spoke: "Miss LeMonde, dis cabin is to be yer hum for a
while. My sister is to be comp'ny for ye, an' also yer guard. No harm
is to cum to ye, if ye do what ye air told. I'm goin' to leave now, an'
sis'll tend to yer wants. Good-night to bof uv you'uns."

With this he left the cabin, and drove away.

CHAPTER XXI.

The Search.

As the time for the evening meal was approaching at Judge LeMonde's
mansion, his wife said to him: "I wonder what is keeping Viola so long
today. She told me before starting, she would be home by sundown, and
it surely is time she were back."

The Judge responded: "Do not be alarmed. She may have been kept longer
than she expected at some of the places she visited. The days are very
long now, and the twilight lingers. Besides, there will be moonlight
tonight and if they are delayed they can easily see their way over the
big road by the light of the moon. Mose is a trustworthy fellow and we
know he is a careful driver."

At this time Nora knocked at the door, announcing that supper was
ready. Madam LeMonde was not fully at ease, but went with the rest to
the dining-room. The repast was rather a quiet one, and when it was
finished dusk had fully settled over the valley. The Judge and his wife
went to the piazza and looked down the plantation private way, but
could see no sign of carriage or horses. They together walked to the
large gate which opened on the county road, opening the gate, and went
the short distance to the river road along which the returning carriage
would come. They stood and strained their eyes looking down the
highway, but could discern no vehicle of any kind approaching.

For some time they stood looking and listening, and then returned to
the house. Now they were anxious indeed; and so was their son George
who had been to the barn on some business with one of the hostlers.

Madam LeMonde exclaimed: "What can be keeping them? Surely some
accident or harm has befallen them. Viola would never stay away from
home as late as this unless