ough in the very place
where he hit me. You see where my bullet has struck him?"

The mulatto, stooping down over Darke's body, examines the wound, still
dripping blood.

"You're right, Masser Charle; it's in de adzack spot. Well, that is
curious. Seems like your gun war guided by de hand of that avengin'
angel you spoke o'."

Having thus delivered himself, the fugitive slave becomes silent and
thoughtful, for a time, bending over the body of his once cruel master,
now no more caring for his cruelty, or in fear of being chastised by
him.

With what strange reflections must that spectacle inspire him! The
outstretched arms lying helpless along the earth--the claw-like fingers
now stiff and nerveless--he may be thinking how they once clutched a
cowhide, vigorously laying it on his own back, leaving those terrible
scars.

"Come, Jupe!" says Clancy, rousing him from his reverie; "we must mount,
and be off."

Soon they are in their saddles, ready to start; but stay yet a little
longer. For something has to be considered. It is necessary for them
to make sure about their route. They must take precautions against
getting strayed, as also another and still greater danger. Jupiter's
escape from the robbers' den, with the deed that facilitated it, will by
this have been discovered. It is more than probable he will be pursued;
indeed almost certain. And the pursuers will come that way; at any
moment they may appear.

This is the dark side of the picture presented to Clancy's imagination,
as he turns his eyes towards the west. Facing in the opposite direction
his fancy summons up one brighter. For there lies the San Saba
Mission-house, within whose walls he will find Helen Armstrong. He has
now no doubt that she has reached home in safety; knows, too, that her
father still lives. For the mulatto has learnt as much from the
outlaws. While _en route_ to Coyote Creek, and during his sojourn
there, he overheard them speak about the massacre of the slaves, as also
the immunity extended to their masters, with the reason for it. It is
glad tidings to Clancy, His betrothed, restored to her father's arms,
will not the less affectionately open her own to receive him. The long
night of their sorrowing has passed; the morn of their joy comes; its
daylight is already dawning. He will have a welcome, sweet as ever met
man.

"What's that out yonner?" exclaims Jupiter, pointing west.

Clancy's rapture is interrupted-