nd drew on the boots, which were a little too
large but went on all the more readily for that. Now for the coat. It was
not new, but by no means shabby. He took out his knife, hastily ripped up
the right sleeve and put it on. It fitted even better than the boots.

Nap had brought a bottle of wine and left it on the office table,
forgetting to carry it back to the dining-room. Jackson took it up, and
placing it to his mouth drained the last drop. Then putting on his hat, he
stole softly from the house and down the avenue.

To his great joy a boat was just passing in the direction to take him
farther from Viamede. He signaled it, and was taken aboard.

"Been getting Dr. Balis to patch up a wound, eh, stranger?" said the
skipper, glancing at the disabled arm.

"Yes;" and Jackson repeated the story already told to the surgeon.

The skipper sympathized and advised a rest in the cabin.

"Thank you," said Jackson; "but I'm only going a few miles, when I'll
reach a point where, by taking to the woods again, I'll be likely to find
my friends; who are doubtless anxious to know what has become of me."

"Very well, sir, when we come to the right place, just let us know and
we'll put you off."

Evidently the skipper had heard nothing to arouse his suspicions. Jackson
was landed at the spot he pointed out--a lonely one on the edge of a
forest, without question or demur, and the boat went on its way.

He watched it till it disappeared from view, then plunging into the woods,
presently found a narrow foot-path, pursuing which for an hour or so he
came out into a small clearing. At the farther side, built just on the
edge of the forest, was a rude log cabin. A slatternly woman stood in the
open doorway.

"So ye did get back at last?" she remarked, as he drew near. "I'd most
give ye up. What ails your arm now?"

He briefly repeated his story to the doctor and skipper; then asked
hurriedly, "Is my horse all right?"

The woman nodded. "I've tuck good care on her. Now where's the gold ye
promised me?"

"Here," he said, taking out, and holding up before her delighted eyes,
several shining half-eagles; "have my horse saddled and bridled and
brought round to the door here as quickly as possible, and these are
yours."

"I'll do it. Bill," to a half-grown youth who sat on a rude bench within
lazily smoking a pipe--"run and fetch the gentleman's hoss. But what's yer
hurry, mister?"

"This," he answered, pointing to the disabled