The next moment Imogene, under the guidance of one of the Tories, waving a hasty adieu, was gone. The scout and his companion returned to their places among their slumbering comrades, there to abide their time for the carrying out of the rest of their plan.
As soon as he felt assured that Imogene had reached a safe distance, the scout arose, and seizing his rifle, hastened to the entrance of the rendezvous and discharged it. In an instant every member of the band was on his feet, inquiring the cause of the alarm.
Motioning his companion to keep close to him, War-Cloud, uttering a loud cry, dashed into the apartment of the chief. On hearing of his prisoner’s escape, Iron Hand, with an oath, rushed into Imogene’s late place of confinement, only to find that the bird had flown.
At this discovery, his frenzy knew no bounds. Uttering a yell of rage, he bade War-Cloud and his companion to mount and follow him. For a time the Tory’s chieftain’s usual cunning seemed to have deserted him, for without seeming to harbor the slightest suspicion of treachery, he ordered War-Cloud to lead the way.
By the aid of the full autumnal moon, which ever and anon shot, like a flying ghost, from one dark mass of vapor to another, the trail of the fugitives was followed without difficulty.
It was necessary to overtake them before they should reach the American lines, or else all was lost. On, on, they rode, until they were almost within gunshot of the enemy, when through an intervening space in the trees, Iron Hand spied the fleeing forms of Imogene and her guide.
With a cry of exultation, the Tory, plunging his rowels deep into the reeking sides of his steed, hurried in pursuit of them, closely followed by his two companions. Imogene heard the cry and looked back. She saw the Tory, and understood the demoniac expression of his countenance. She cast her eyes on the face of her companion, but upon it was stamped a look of calm indifference.
Oh, for a few short moments, and she would again be free! How agonizing the thought that she was thus to be retaken! and, too, within sight of the very camp-fires of her friends. Once more did she sum up courage to steal another glance at her pursuers. They were gaining upon her slowly but surely.
In vain did she endeavor to accelerate the speed of her panting animal. Another instant and she would again be within the power of her detested captor! She could almost feel his hot breath.
“Ha! ha! fair rebel,” he exclaimed with a malignant laugh, “captured at last!”