“Cheer up, General; I bring you news of your second daughter!”
“You do?” cried the old man, eagerly.
“Yes; by chance I discovered something in the forest that revealed to me her fate.”
“Only give me some clue by which I may find my child and I will go down on my knees and bless you, sir!” exclaimed the old soldier, excitedly.
“Put on your hat and walk with me a short distance. The moon is bright, and I will tell you all I have discovered. It is a terrible affair, and I fear to speak within walls.”
Eagerly Treveling followed Benton from the house.
CHAPTER XXII.
CALLING BACK THE PAST.
As Treveling followed the stranger from the cabin he marveled, somewhat, at the odd place chosen by the man, who had called himself Benton, for an interview. But urged onward by the anxious father’s heart that beat within his breast, he followed his guide without fear.
Benton led the way through the station, passed the stockade and reached the forest beyond. He followed the trail leading up the Kanawha.