was the
only way we could account for the position in which we had found him.

Captain Norton was much grieved, and blamed himself greatly for having
allowed Black Hawk to accompany Carlos. We dug his grave close to our
camp, and spent a portion of the night in piling up logs over it to mark
the spot. Though I had before been looking forward to the satisfaction
of falling in with my uncle, I now dreaded the meeting and the task I
should have to perform of telling him of the death of my cousin. As no
more was seen of Black Hawk, we had no doubt that he had committed the
deed.

We had now reached as far north as there would be any use in going, as
my uncle and his party must have come by this time fully as far south as
we then were if they had not already passed us. Though the country was
almost in as wild a state as in the southern parts, there were a few
log-huts and other primitive buildings scattered about; but the
inhabitants had fled for fear of the Indians. Both we and our horses
being pretty well tired by a long day's journey, we took up our quarters
in one of these huts. The men were encamped outside, with the usual
sentries placed at equal distances; and we had thrown ourselves on the
rough tables and benches, the only remaining furniture, when the sound
of distant firing reached our ears.

"Sure there's fightin' goin' on!" cried Tim.

We started to our feet. The horses were saddled, the men fell in, and
we hastened on, hoping to arrive in time to assist any whites who might
be engaged, whether my uncle's party or others. We had still light
enough to see our way, though the sun was near setting. At last we came
within sight of another hut of some size, near which the fighting had
been taking place, of which we had sad proof by seeing the bodies of
three white men stretched on the ground. But their comrades were
advancing, driving the enemy before them.

"They will be led into an ambush!" cried Captain Norton; and ordering
Tim to halt the men a little in advance of where they then were, he
dashed forward to prevent the catastrophe he feared, I was about to
follow, when a black, whom I recognised as one of my uncle's servants,
rushed out of the hut.

"Is dat you, Massa Maurice?" he exclaimed. "Whar Massa Carlos? we
'fraid dat his fader die an' he want bery much to see him. Come in; he
in here; come in!"

Giving the reins of my horse to one of the men, I threw myself from the
saddle, and hur