eating himself beside her he briefly
related all that he knew of Jackson and his attack on Mr. Travilla.

He had hardly finished when Nap returned with the news that several of the
negro children had seen a man go down the avenue and get aboard a passing
boat.

"Ah ha!" cried the doctor, jumping up; "and which way was the boat going?"

"Dat way, sah," replied Nap, indicating the direction by a flourish of his
right hand.

At that moment Mr. and Mrs. Travilla rode up, and Dr. and Mrs. Balis
hastened out to greet them.

"He's gone; took the morning boat," cried the doctor.

"Good!" said Mr. Travilla, "we have only to head him with a telegram, and
he'll be arrested on stepping ashore; or on board the boat."

"Unless he should land in the next town, Madison, which the boat, having a
good hour's start of us, would reach before the swiftest messenger we
could send; probably has already reached."

"Then the best plan will be for me to ride on to Madison, give notice to
the authorities, have it ascertained whether our man has landed there, and
if not telegraph to the next town and have them ready to board the boat,
with a warrant for his arrest, as soon as it arrives."

"Yes; and I'll mount Selim and go with you," answered the doctor. "I
probably know the road better than you do. And our wives may keep each
other company till we return."

"What do you say, Elsie?" asked Mr. Travilla.

"That I will go or stay as you think best."

"We must ride very fast; I think it would fatigue you too much; so advise
you to stay with Mrs. Balis, and I will call for you on my return."

"Do, Mrs. Travilla! I should be delighted to have you," urged Mrs. Balis;
"and you can tell me all about last night. What a trial to your nerves! I
don't wonder you are looking a little pale this morning."

"Thank you, I will stay," said Elsie; and instantly her husband, giving
his horse into Nap's charge for a moment, sprang to the ground and lifted
her from the saddle. "Don't be anxious, little wife," he whispered, as the
soft eyes met his with a fond wistful look, "I am not likely to be in
danger, and you know the sweet words, 'Not a hair of your head shall fall
to the ground without your Father.'"

"Yes, yes, I know, and will trust you in His hands, my dear husband," was
the low-breathed response.

Another moment and the two gentlemen were galloping rapidly down the
avenue side by side. The ladies stood on the veranda, watching till they
we