“Was it really deserted or were the foe yet within its walls?”
To all appearances it was deserted.
Barrows hesitated a moment and then took the desperate chance.
He emerged boldly from the woods and approached the cabin.
On he went until within ten yards of the door. Yet there was no sign of life.
The next moment he reached the door.
It yielded to his touch and he entered. The place was deserted.
There were evidences that the foe had been there.
Also Barrows made a thrilling discovery. In the soft dirt of the floor he discovered the footprints of Bessie Rodman.
At least it was safe to presume that they were hers, for there was no likelihood that the region for many miles held another of her gentle sex.