"Yes, yes, yes! Pray tell me the worst at once."
"And red eyelashes—long and red?"
"Yes, oh yes! Pray don't keep me in suspense."
"And a red face?"
"Yes, yes!"
"And was carryin' two buckets for water?"
"Oh, heavens! Yes. I know he is killed. Tell me where he lays that I may find him."
"Madam," said Uncle Dan, gravely, "that red man made his escape, as well as all the others."
The look of blank confusion and joyful amaze that overspread Mrs. Jackson's face was singular to behold. The old scout, having thus summarily disposed of Mrs. Jackson, turned to Irene and drew from her the relation of all that had happened to her since the evening she had left. When she had concluded with her forced marriage, she burst into tears.
"The rascal!" said Uncle Dan, with energy. "Both a rascal and a fool. Where did he go?" he asked, after a moment's pause.