n where he stood and covered his face with his hands and strove
to calm the rising emotion that swelled his bosom. It was minutes before
he recovered self-possession enough to arise and go on his way.

In due time he reached the farm--Rushy Shore--where the schoolhouse was
for rent. It was a plain little log house close to the river side and
shaded by cedars. It had been built for the use of a poor country master
who had worn out his life in teaching for small pay the humbler class of
country children. He rested from his earthly labors, and the school was
without a teacher. Ishmael saw only the overseer of the farm, who
informed him that he had authority to let the schoolroom only until
Christmas, as the whole estate had just been sold and the new owner was
to take possession at the new year.

"Who is the new owner?" inquired Ishmael.

"Well, sir, his name is Middleton--Mr. James Middleton, from St. Mary's
County: though I think I did hear as he was first of all from Virginia."

"Mr. Middleton! Mr. James Middleton!" exclaimed Ishmael, catching his
breath for joy.

"Yes, sir; that is the gentleman; did you happen to know him?"

"Yes: intimately; he is one of the best and most honored friends I have
in the world!" said Ishmael warmly.

"Then, sir, maybe he wouldn't be for turning you out of the schoolhouse
even when the time we can let it for is up?"

"No, I don't think he would," said Ishmael, smiling, as he took his
leave and started on his return. He walked rapidly on his way homeward,
thinking of the strange destiny that threw him again among the friends
of his childhood, when he was startled by a sound as of the sudden rush
of wheels. He raised his head and beheld a fearful sight! Plunging madly
towards the brink of the high bank were the horses of Claudia's
returning carriage. The coachman had dropped the reins, which were
trailing on the ground, sprung from his seat and was left some distance
behind. Claudia retained hers, holding by the sides of the carriage; but
her face was white as marble; her eyes were starting from their sockets;
her teeth were firmly set; her lips drawn back; her hat lost and her
black hair streaming behind her! On rushed the maddened beasts towards
the brink of the precipice! another moment, and they would have dashed
down into certain destruction!

Ishmael saw and hurled himself furiously forward between the rushing
horses and the edge of the precipice, seizing the reins as the ho