As the horsemen drew nearer, his countenance lightened and then he said, half aloud:
“It is he! we are saved.”
Mara heard the words and she supplemented them with a cry of joy.
At the head of the approaching squad she recognized the form of her lover, Cavalry Curt!
He seemed scarcely less surprised than they and his pleasure was as great.
“You have escaped in safety,” she said, as he clasped Mara’s hand.
“Yes; though it has been a fearful ordeal.”
“Well, have courage now, for the worst of your journey is over I think. You are going to your relatives to stop I suppose?”
“Yes; poor grandpa is no more. And Harry! can you tell me ought of him?”
“Only that he was alive and well yesterday. Please bear no unnecessary alarm on his account. And as you shall lose little in distance we will keep you company ten miles or so on your journey.”