The other whirled. He held only a club as a means of defense. He was in rags. His black hair hung in dank locks about his pale brow.
"Who are you?" he cried. "Keep off!"
"Parmalee!"
Allen Drew rushed in, making light of the club, and seized the other in his arms.
"My God, man! don't you know me? How came you here? Are you real?" he chattered.
"Is it you, Drew?" queried the other, brokenly. "Lord! don't take my breath, old fellow."
"They accuse me of taking your life!" ejaculated Drew, with hysterical laughter. "Don't mind a little thing like being hugged. Gad, Parmalee! how glad I am to see you!"
"Accused you of taking my life!" the other exclaimed, amazed.
"Ditty, the black-hearted hound, accused me of throwing you overboard. Said he saw me do it. Captain Hamilton half believes it yet. Heavens, Parmalee, but you're a sight to put heart into a man!
"Only," Drew added, "you quite took the heart out of me just now when I saw you standing there at the edge of the forest staring at the fort."