I said no more, for I saw it would be useless. When he had once determined upon a matter there was no changing him. He was satisfied that “spirits invisible” had encompassed him, and there was but one way of escaping them.
He was now reposing quietly beside me, utterly oblivious to external things; and as the night was far advanced, I sank upon my knees, and besought the great Disposer of events to guide me aright in the undertaking which I was about to commence, and to watch over my unfortunate companion, now doubtless in captivity; to protect the kind-hearted trapper, and to soon clear away the mystery which had enveloped us like a cloud. Then I lay down and slept.
I awoke, hearing a slight rustling noise beside me, and, upon looking around, caught a glimpse of Biddon as he departed. It was very early, and he doubtless was after the horses, in order to leave at once the place which had such terrors for him. In the course of a half hour he returned.
“The horses are waitin’,” said he.
I arose and passed out. The three animals stood outside, a short distance away, each saddled and prepared for travel.
“Come, work lively, and fetch them skins out,” said Biddon, commencing himself. I made no reply, but assisted him until everything was in readiness, for starting.
“Jump on, and shoot me ef we won’t soon be clar of this outlandish place.”
“Biddon, I am not going with you,” I said, mildly.
“What?” he asked, looking wonderingly at one, as if doubting my senses.
“I intend to remain here.”