"After the smoke from the explosion had cleared away, I went in search of the ladies, but they had disappeared. The cart had been removed, and my opinion is that Branch has driven off with our sisters. He cannot advance very rapidly with his ox-team, and, if Fall-leaf is on his track, he will return and inform us as soon as he has ascertained the direction they have taken."
"Have the horses saddled, and at the door. If possible get fresh ones," said Hayward. "I shall follow my sister."
"You cannot do it, captain, you are too ill!"
"Who talks of being ill, at such a time as this? My sister is in the hands of that ruffian Branch, and yours too, Margrave! I should go forward if I was dying!"
At this moment Fall-leaf rushed into the room, and cried:
"Follow—come!"
"Come—no questions," cried Hayward.
In an instant Hayward, Hinton, Johnson, Nettleton, Margrave, and the Indian, were in their saddles, and darted off at their utmost speed, on the road toward the famous Wilson's creek battle-ground. The Indian took the lead.
They ascended the sharp hill which borders Wilson's creek, and when on its summit, could plainly see all the surrounding objects in the valley below. After a moment's inspection they turned to the right, and struck off through a narrow path which ran along the mountain ridge. They had proceeded about two miles, when the Indian paused and said: