eek succor. Leaving
the woods he proceeded to the wash-house and was kindly received by
Isabella, but what to do with him or how to afford him any protection
she could see no way whatever. The schooling which Charles had been
receiving a number of weeks in connection with the most fearful
looking-for of the threatened wrath of the trader made it much easier
for him than for her to see how he could be provided for. A room and
comforts he was not accustomed to. Of course he could not expect such
comforts now. Like many another escaping from the relentless tyrant,
Charles could contrive methods which to his venturesome mind would
afford hope, however desperate they might appear to others. He thought
that he might be safe under the floor. To Isabella the idea was new, but
her sympathies were strongly with Charles, and she readily consented to
accommodate him under the floor of the wash-house. Isabella and a friend
of Charles, by the name of John Thomas, were the only persons who were
cognizant of this arrangement. The kindness of these friends, manifested
by their willingness to do anything in their power to add to the comfort
of Charles, was proof to him that his efforts and sufferings had not
been altogether in vain. He remained under the floor two weeks,
accessible to kind voices and friendly ministrations. At the end of this
time his repose was again sorely disturbed by reports from without that
suspicion had been awakened towards the wash-house. How this happened
neither Charles nor his friends could conjecture. But the arrival of six
officers whom he could hear talking very plainly in the house, whose
errand was actually to search for him, convinced him that he had never
for a single moment been in greater danger. The officers not only
searched the house, but they offered his friend John Thomas $25 if he
would only put them on Charles' track. John professed to know nothing;
Isabella was equally ignorant. Discouraged with their efforts on this
occasion, the officers gave up the hunt and left the house. Charles,
however, had had enough of the floor accommodations. He left that night
and returned to his old quarters under the hotel. Here he stayed one
week, at the expiration of which time the need of fresh air was so
imperative, that he resolved to go out at night to Allen's cottage and
spend a day in the woods. He had knowledge of a place where the
undergrowth and bushes were almost impenetrable. To rest and refresh
hims