stless? At all events, the hours,
which were wont to be fleet-footed, passed with unusual slowness, and he
found himself longing for the return of his young friend.

"I don't know what has got into me to-day," said Melville to himself.
"It's only three o'clock, yet the day seems very long. I wish Herbert
would return. I feel uneasy. I don't know why. I hope it is not a
presage of misfortune. I shall not be sure that something has not
happened to Herbert till I see him again."

As he spoke George Melville rose from his chair, and was about to put
on his hat and take a short walk in the neighboring woods, when he heard
the tramp of approaching horses. Looking out from the window, he saw two
horsemen close at hand.

He started in dismay, for in the two men he was at no loss in
recognizing his stagecoach companion, Col. Warner, and the landlord who
had essayed the part of a road agent.

CHAPTER XXXV. MELVILLE IN PERIL.

Col. Warner and his companion enjoyed the effect of their presence upon
their intended victim, and smiled in a manner that boded little good to
Melville, as they dismounted from their steeds and advanced to the door
of the cabin.

"How are you, Melville?" said Warner, ironically. "I see you have not
forgotten me."

"No, I have not forgotten you," answered Melville, regarding his visitor
uneasily.

"This is my friend, Mr. Brown. Perhaps you remember him?"

"I do remember him, and the circumstances under which I last saw him,"
replied Melville, rather imprudently.

Brown frowned, but he did not speak. He generally left his companion to
do the talking.

"Being in the neighborhood, we thought we'd call upon you," continued
Col. Warner.

"Walk in, gentlemen, if you see fit," said Melville. "I suppose it would
be only polite to say that I am glad to see you, but I have some regard
for truth, and cannot say it."

"I admire your candor, Mr. Melville. Walk in, Brown. Ha! upon my word,
you have a nice home here. Didn't expect to see anything of the kind
in this wilderness. Books and pictures! Really, now, Brown, I am quite
tempted to ask our friend, Melville, to entertain us for a few days."

"I don't think it would suit you," said Melville, dryly. "You are
probably more fond of exciting adventure than of books."

"Does the boy live with you?" asked Warner, dropping his bantering tone,
and looking about his searchingly.

"Yes, he is still with me."

"I don't see him."

"Because he ha