"I couldn't wait tew see it, cap.," he said. "How many of the boys went under?"
"One," replied the captain, sorrowfully. "You were right, Seth. I ought to have kept out of that trap. I know it now, but, that will not atone for my folly. But, think what I feel now when I tell you that it would be a kindness in you to shoot me through the head."
"No," replied Seth, slowly. "I don't think that would pay us, principally because we kain't afford tew lose yew, and yew'll take advice next time. I've been out scouting a little in advance. Ride a little to the front and I'll tell yew what I've found eout."
They quickened their pace, and the Yankee bent in his saddle and said in a low voice: "Willimack hez been over the road since last night."
Floyd started violently, and his face grew pale. "How do you know that?" he cried.
"I kan read Injin sign," answered the Yankee, calmly. "Thar's another thing. I believe the critter they call the Skeleton Scout is arter Willimack."
"Why?"
"'Cause I've seen his sign. Ef he's a ghost, then he's a mighty heavy one. Why, he's got a foot bigger'n mine, ef I kin judge by his trail. Now mind, I don't say he's a human; sartin he don't act like one; but yew bet all yew'r worth he don't like Willimack, or heow in natur' would he chase him up the way he did last night."
"But my father; my dearest Madge!" moaned the unhappy young man. "Oh, why did I ever leave you?"