d have tracked me without
difficulty. In the afternoon I again went out, making my way
cautiously, lest I should come upon them. I had made up my mind to
proceed by myself some way to the northward until I could reach a
settler's hut, from whom I could learn whether the Kentuckians had gone
on or turned back again, when I caught sight of them in the distance,
making apparently for the very spot where they had rested the previous
night. They had evidently ascertained from someone or other that the
black and I had not gone that way. My only course was to return to the
cave and to remain there in the hopes of tiring out our pursuers.
Though they were determined fellows, they knew nothing of the country,
and were completely at fault without their hound.

"As we had plenty of provisions, we could remain another whole day, by
which time I hoped to find the coast clear. Once more I went out,
leaving my knapsack with Dio, and taking only my rifle and ammunition.
Instead of following the path I had pursued on previous occasions, I
made a circuit to the right towards a hill, from whence I expected to
catch sight of the spot where the Kentuckians had camped. Should I see
no smoke ascending, I might hope that they had abandoned the search and
gone homewards. I had nearly reached it, and was proceeding perhaps
with less caution than before, when I came full in sight of the fellows.
I knew them at once, and was still more convinced who they were by
hearing a ball whistle past my ears. Although I might have shot one of
them in return, I had no wish to take the life of a fellow-creature, but
determined to trust to my heels. Off I set therefore as fast as I could
run, and calculated that I knew the country better than they did, and
that I could keep well ahead, thus drawing them away from Dio's
hiding-place. My intention was afterwards to return, and, together with
the black, to continue the journey. On they came after me, and I could
hear their voices shouting for many a mile, showing that they were still
following. I have never had such a run in my life, but I have the
satisfaction of believing that I have assisted Dio to make good his
escape, and if they come here, you will be able to assure them that you
have no slave concealed within your doors."

My father highly approved of Mr Tidey's conduct and the courage and
judgment he had exhibited. We had now to consider the best way of
relieving Dio, who was certain to remai