“There is no time for words. The squatter and his brood are within a mile or two of this blessed spot!”
Middleton lost all recollection of Ellen, in the danger which now so eminently beset his recovered bride; nor is it necessary to add, that Dr. Battius did not wait for a second admonition to commence his retreat.
Following the route indicated by the old man, they turned the rock in a body, and pursued their way as fast as possible across the prairie, under the favour of the cover it afforded.
Paul Hover, however, remained in his tracks, sullenly leaning on his rifle. Near a minute had elapsed before he was observed by Ellen, who had buried her face in her hands, to conceal her fancied desolation from herself.
“Why do you not fly?” the weeping girl exclaimed, the instant she perceived she was not alone.
“I’m not used to it.”
“My uncle will soon be here! you have nothing to hope from his pity.”
“Nor from that of his niece, I reckon. Let him come; he can only knock me on the head!”
“Paul, Paul, if you love me, fly.”
“Alone!—if I do, may I be—”