select a posse as soon as he was able, to search for the
missing girl. This George proceeded to do. He rushed to the barn and
mounting a fresh horse set off at all speed on his errand.

Judge LeMonde hastily wrote some notes containing a brief account of
his daughter's seizure and, entrusting them to his most faithful
slaves, instructed them to deliver the notes to those addressed. These
were his most intimate neighbors and friends in the valley. He
requested them to meet him at "Mount Pisgah" early in the morning.

As the Judge could do no more that night he suggested that they retire
to their rooms, and seek rest. This they did, but no sleep came to him
nor to his wife that night. Their thoughts were with the girl:

"Where is she? Have they murdered her? What could be their object in
carrying her away? Was it revenge? How difficult it will be to find
her. But Oh! that morning would come, so that the attempt can be made!"

Thus they beat the walls of darkness with unavailing questions, and
even their prayers were mixed with natural forebodings and fears.

With the first dawn of day Nora, who also had passed a restless night,
awoke the fat cook (for she in spite of sympathy for the family had
slept soundly) and asked her to get coffee and toast as quickly as
possible. This was soon prepared, and the Judge and his wife drank the
stimulant and ate a little toast.

Presently thereafter the neighbors began to arrive. They were greatly
affected by the foul deed, and vowed the direst punishment upon the
outlaws in case they were captured. They offered to the family every
assistance in their power. They spoke comforting words to the afflicted
Judge, who showed the marks of his mental anguish and sleepless night
in his haggard face. They sent their respects to Madam LeMonde, who was
too prostrated to see them at this time.

When all were arrived it was decided to await the coming of the sheriff
and posse when all would go to the spot where Viola was taken, and from
that point scour the wilderness under the sheriff's lead.

The sun was not high in the heavens when the sheriff and a company of
eight determined-looking men rode up to the mansion. No words were
wasted. All were eager to depart. The leader ordered the company and
planters to fall in, and away they went with swift pace toward the
place they sought. Judge LeMonde and George rode with the sheriff.
Mose, nearly recovered from his hurt, was in the company as guide