"No, I can take that, Dinah, that will balance the basket; besides, you have that great jug of water to take. Now let us be off."
After twenty minutes' walking they approached the spot where the ladies were in hiding, but it was so dark under the trees that Nat could not determine its exact position; he therefore whistled, at first softly and then more loudly. Then he heard a call some little distance away. He went on until he judged that he must be close, and then whistled again. The reply came at once some thirty yards away.
"Here we are, Myra," he said; "nurse is with me."
An exclamation of delight was heard, and a minute later he made his way through the bushes.
"Mamma is awake," the girl said, "but she does not always understand what I say; sometimes I cannot understand her, and her hands are as hot as fire. I am glad Dinah is here."
"You can't be gladder'n me, mam'selle. I hab brought some feber medicine wid me, and a lantern and some candles."
"Would it be safe to light the lantern?" Myra asked.
"Quite safe," Nat said; "there is no chance whatever of anyone coming along here; besides, we can put something round the lantern so as to prevent it from being seen from outside. You have brought steel and tinder, I hope, Dinah?"
"Of course, marse, lamp no good widout; and I hab got sulphur matches, no fear me forget them."
"Give them to me, Dinah, I will strike a light while you attend to your mistress."