A close surtout was buttoned high in the throat of
the stranger, and parting at his knees, showed breeches of buff, with
military boots and spurs. His hair was dressed so as to expose the whole
face; and, after the fashion of that day, it was profusely powdered. A
round hat was laid on the stones that formed a paved floor to the hut,
as if to make room for a large map, which, among the other papers,
occupied the table.
This was an unexpected event to our adventurer. She had been so
confident that the figure twice seen was the peddler, that on learning
his agency in her brother's escape, she did not in the least doubt of
finding them both in the place, which, she now discovered, was occupied
by another and a stranger. She stood, earnestly looking through the
crevice, hesitating whether to retire, or to wait with the expectation
of yet meeting Henry, as the stranger moved his hand from before his
eyes, and raised his face, apparently in deep musing, when Frances
instantly recognized the benevolent and strongly marked, but composed
features of Harper.
All that Dunwoodie had said of his power and disposition, all that he
had himself promised her brother, and all the confidence that had been
created by his dignified and paternal manner, rushed across the mind of
Frances, who threw open the door of the hut, and falling at his feet,
clasped his knees with her arms, as she cried,--
"Save him--save him--save my brother; remember your promise, and save
him!"
Harper had risen as the door opened, and there was a slight movement of
one hand towards his pistols; but it was cool and instantly checked.
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