“I will not ask for your final decision now!” continued Walker. “I will wait until you have seen your brother, which will be in a few moments.”
The boat was drawn to the shore, and Walker, turning to Dick, said:
“I will dispense with you now. Go to Joe’s farm. Follow my instructions as to storing the house with provisions, and at least one comfortable bed. Miss Hayward, it is a beautiful place of which I speak, and, in case of your refusal to perform all that I wish voluntarily, or to save your brother, I shall be compelled to take advantage of a friend’s mansion, in case I can not effect my escape with you to Arkansas. This I doubt being able to do, and more, I don’t know that I shall run the risk, as I am only a subordinate, and some of my superiors might order your release. You perceive that I intend to make sure of my prize now that she is in my keeping. As my wife she will be permitted all proper liberty, but until you are such, by your own voluntary act, I must keep you safely from approach by any one.”
Dick had left his master. Walker and Miss Hayward arrived at the log-hut adjoining the mill, and entered it. Old Madge was there, but she looked pale and frightened.
“Come here, Madge. What is the matter?” asked Walker.
“The devil’s broke loose!” replied Madge, trembling violently.
“Come, don’t be alarmed; I am Walker. I am the one who sent you the hundred dollars to keep the man safely. You have done so, I hope.”
“He has just broke loose, and run into the woods.”
“How did that happen?”
“Oh, he heard a voice singing outside, and, in his fever-delirium, said it was an angel calling him to heaven, and he burst from his room and rushed up yonder.”