the very courts of
justice."

"I believe you, Miss Munro, and nothing doubt the correctness of your
opinion with regard to the character of these men. Indeed, I have reason
to know that what you say of Rivers, I have already realized in my own
person. This attempt, if he makes it, will be the second in which he has
put my life in hazard, and I believe him, therefore, not too good for
any attempt of this evil nature. But why may I not defend myself from
the assassins? I can make these logs tenable till daylight from all
their assaults, and then I should receive succor from the villagers
without question. You see, too, I have arms which may prove troublesome
to an enemy."

"Trust not these chances; let me entreat that you rely not upon them.
Were you able, as you say, to sustain yourself for the rest of the night
in this apartment, there would be no relief in the morning, for how
would you make your situation understood? Many of the villagers will
have flown before to-morrow into the nation, until the pursuit is well
over, which will most certainly be commenced before long. Some of them
have already gone, having heard of the approach of the residue of the
Georgia guard, to which the survivors at the late affair bore the
particulars. Those who venture to remain will not come nigh this house,
dreading to be involved in the difficulties which now threaten its
occupants. Their caution would only be the more increased on hearing of
any commotion. Wait not, therefore, I implore you, for the dawning of
the day: it could never dawn to you. Rivers I know too well; he would
overreach you by some subtlety or other; and how easy, even while we
speak, to shoot you down through these uneven logs. Trust not, trust
not, I entreat you; there is a sure way of escape, and you still have
time, if at once you avail yourself of it."

The maid spoke with earnestness and warmth, for the terrors of her mind
had given animation to her anxiety, while she sought to persuade the
somewhat stubborn youth into the proposed and certainly judicious flight
she contemplated for him. Her trepidation had made her part with much of
that retreating timidity which had usually distinguished her manner; and
perfectly assured herself of the causes of her present apprehension, she
did not scruple to exhibit--indeed she did not seem altogether conscious
of--the deep interest which she took in the fate and fortunes of him who
stood beside her.

Flattered as he m