“Why this direction, Imogene?” I asked.
“To avoid pursuit,” she answered. “At daylight we will change it, and proceed to the south-east.”
The open prairie was some miles distant, and as long as we were in the deep shadows of the wood, the greatest danger was to be apprehended. It was more than probable that the extended absence of Jim and Imogene, at the same time, had aroused the suspicions of more than one savage. As all must have known that I was buried while still living, and that she had battled their determination as long as there was hope, when the morning came and showed her abrupt departure, they could not help suspecting the true cause.
“Without losing a moment, we mounted and struck to the northward.”
The air was cool and exhilarating, and, as my fiery animal pranced beside that of Imogene, I could not restrain the wild, ardent hopes that thrilled my being. I was homeward bound with the fairest prize of the universe to me. What else could be needed? Ah! there was the fate of Nat, my companion, still shrouded in obscurity. I determined to question her at once in regard to him.
“Imogene, although this is hardly the proper moment, I cannot help questioning you about the fate of a friend of mine.”
“I know to whom you refer,” she answered, quickly. “I have heard him speak of you, but he does not know of your existence. He is a captive like yourself, save that he seems perfectly contented with his fate.”
“Thank heaven! it seems indeed that a wonderful Providence is watching over all of us.”
“I believe he can effect his escape, but it must be through your instrumentality, for I will not dare to show myself under the circumstances.”