pride ineffable, as her eyes watched the young Quaker, and her
soul drank in his words.

"That's the sentiment!" said Stackridge. "And now, what is to be done?
We have been disappointed in one thing. Our friends don't join us. One
reason is, no doubt, they hain't got arms. But the main reason is, they
look upon our cause as desperate. Desperate or not, it can't be helped,
as I see. With or without help, we must fight it through, or go back,
like that putty-head Deslow, and take the oath of allegiance to the
bogus government. Mr. Villars, you're wise, and we want your opinion."

"That, I fear, will be worth little to you!" answered the old man,
bowing his head with true humility. "It seems to me that you are not to
rely upon any open assistance from your friends. And sorry I am to add,
I think you should not rely, either, upon any immediate aid from the
government. The government has its hands full. The time is coming when
you who have eyes will see the old flag once more floating on the
breezes of East Tennessee. But it may be long first. And in the mean
time it is your duty to look out for yourselves."

"That is it," said Stackridge. "But how?"

"It seems to me that your retreat cannot remain long concealed.
Therefore, this is what I advise. Make your preparations to disperse at
any moment. You may be compelled to hide for months in the mountains and
woods, hunted continually, and never permitted to sleep in safety twice
in the same place. That will be the fate of hundreds. There is but one
thing better for you to do. It is this. Force your way over the
mountains into Kentucky, join the national army, and hasten its
advance."

"And you?" said Captain Grudd.

The old man smiled with beautiful serenity.

"Perhaps I shall have my choice, after all. You remember what that was?
To remain in the hands of our enemies. I ought never to have attempted
to escape. I cannot help myself; I am only a burden to you. My daughters
cannot continue to be with me here in this cave; and, if I am to be
separated from them, I may as well be in a confederate prison as
elsewhere. If the traitors seek my life, they are welcome to it."

"O, father! what do you say!" exclaimed Virginia, in terror at his
words.

"I advise what I feel to be best. I will give myself up to the military
authorities. You, and Salina, if she chooses, will, I am certain, be
permitted to go to your friends in Ohio. But before I take this step,
let all here who