ain that they were on the alert.

CHAPTER FOUR.

ROCHFORD'S DISAPPEARANCE--ORGANISING A SEARCHING PARTY--MUSTER OF THE
ROSEVILLE VOLUNTEERS--THE START--A PINE-BARREN--THROUGH HUMMOCKS,
SWAMPS, AND FORESTS--A MID-DAY HALT--THE ALARM--STRANGE BEHAVIOUR OF OUR
PARTY--RECOVERY FROM THE PANIC--SCOUTS--ROCHFORD AND THE NATIVE CHIEF--
THE RETURN TO ROSEVILLE--AN INTRODUCTION TO THE JUDGE--OUR NATIVE
GUEST--HIS STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE--WHAT CAPTAIN NORTON KNEW ABOUT HIM--A
PLEASANT DISCOVERY--RUMOURS OF INDIAN OUTRAGES--HUNTING EXPEDITION--
ROCHFORD AND JUANITA--GOOD EXCUSES--AN INCIDENT IN THE ORANGERY--CUBAN
BLOOD-HOUND--AN OCELOT--A SUCCESSFUL DAY--ROCHFORD AGAIN GOES OFF--
SEARCH FOR HIM--A NOTE OF EXPLANATION RECEIVED--RETURN HOME.

When I awoke in the morning, I sincerely hoped to find that Rochford had
returned; but on inquiry I was told that he had not made his appearance,
nor had any news been received of him. Lejoillie, who had taken a great
liking to him, became more and more anxious, especially when he heard
that Indians were in the neighbourhood.

"I have no wish to lose my scalp, even for the sake of science; and it
will be a great disappointment to me if I am unable to continue my
travels through the country," he remarked.

"You need not be anxious," said the judge; "these Indian troubles will
soon be put a stop to. If Rochford doesn't return during the morning,
we must organise an expedition to search for him. I fear that I cannot
undergo the fatigue myself, but I will use my influence with others; and
with the assistance of Captain Norton, we may send out a strong body,
who will defy the Redskins, should any be met with. In my opinion,
however, the appearance of a few hunters, or a single family or so,
probably gave rise to the report."

The judge's idea was entertained by the greater part of the inhabitants,
and, I suspect, contributed not a little to the readiness with which
they volunteered to form a party to go in search of our missing friend.
Captain Norton, who was met by an orderly and four troopers, had to
leave us and push on to carry out his instructions. Before he left, he
warned the people not to venture far from the settlement. He especially
counselled Carlos not to allow his sisters to return by land, but
advised that, as soon as possible, they should go back by the river, as
he considered that Castle Kearney was the safest place in the
neighbourhood. The remainder of the day was spent