CHAPTER II.
A LONELY VIGIL.
t was not yet dark when Dick arrived within sight of the wagon, and shouted cheerily that those who were so anxiously awaiting his coming might know he had been fortunate in the search.
As soon as his voice rang out, startlingly loud because of the almost oppressive stillness, Mrs. Stevens appeared from beneath the flap of the canvas covering, and an expression of most intense disappointment passed over her face as she saw that Dick was alone.
"It's all right, mother!" he cried, quickening his pace that she might the sooner be relieved from her suspense. "It's all right!"
"Did you find your father?"
"Yes; an' I've come back for one of the horses. He's been hurt, an' can't walk."
"Thank God he is alive!" she cried, and then for the first time since the previous evening she gave way to tears.