The idea of a
halt was unpleasant, so long as there existed a possibility of the horse
getting below him in time to intercept their retreat through the neutral
ground. He therefore stated his apprehensions to his companion, and
urged a wish to proceed.
"Follow my example, Captain Wharton," said the peddler, commencing his
frugal meal. "If the horse have started, it will be more than man can do
to head them; and if they have not, work is cut out for them, that will
drive all thoughts of you and me from their brains."
"You said yourself, that two hours' detention was all-important to us,
and if we loiter here, of what use will be the advantage that we may
have already obtained?"
"The time is past, and Major Dunwoodie thinks little of following two
men, when hundreds are waiting for him on the banks of the river."
"Listen!" interrupted Henry, "there are horse at this moment passing the
foot of the hill. I hear them even laughing and talking to each other.
Hist! there is the voice of Dunwoodie himself; he calls to his comrade
in a manner that shows but little uneasiness. One would think that the
situation of his friend would lower his spirits; surely Frances could
not have given him the letter."
On hearing the first exclamation of the captain, Birch arose from his
seat, and approached cautiously to the brow of the hill, taking care to
keep his body in the shadow of the rocks, so as to be unseen at any
distance, and earnestly reconnoitered the group of passing horsemen.
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