Further conversation was carried on, but finally, the trapper, finding that Robison was obstinately bent on going, and alone, reluctantly yielded his consent. He carefully explained how the camp was situated, and the sentinels located, cautioned him about being either too confident, or too timid, and then saw him depart with much solicitude, considering that he stood a very poor chance of ever seeing Hugh again.
“The young ’un,” he soliloquized, “comes from a good stock, and a plucky stock. It ain’t many of the old ’uns, even, as would dare to slide into a camp that way. I like the lad; but I’m pleased, somehow, that I ain’t along. Ef I war, we’d both loose top-knots, sure.”
Working swiftly but silently an opening, sufficiently large to permit his body to pass through, was soon made. With a long look around, in which, he held his breath, and listened intently, Hugh strove to discover whether, by any means, his presence had been suspected. All remained silent, and so he entered.
The smouldering remnants of a torch cast an uncertain light over the objects within, yet it was sufficient to see that the place was tenanted alone by those whom he sought.
Bending tenderly over his father, he looked in the face of the sleeper. Then he touched him on the shoulder, so lightly that it produced no more effect than to cause him to turn partly, and mutter in the uneasy manner of one who is disturbed in his slumbers. Hugh then laid his hand on the shoulder of his father, and giving him a shake, the Major awoke.
An exclamation trembled on his lips as he saw the dusky form at his bedside; but a hand was pressed, for an instant, tenderly but firmly upon his mouth; by the time the hand was removed, Hugh was recognized. The reader may imagine the surprise caused by his unexpected appearance. Both wore silent, the young man, anxious to learn what would be his father’s opinion concerning his act, the Major because he scarce knew what he ought to say. At length, in a low whisper, the latter spoke.
“Hugh, you grieve me! Misfortunes have come around sufficiently thick without this. You cannot possibly do good by this visit, and it will be a mercy if you can leave without notice. Indeed, how you were able to get here, without raising an alarm, I am unable fully to understand.”
“If I could come without being discovered, why may I not go away, and if I can escape, why may not Adele and yourself?”
“Do not count on such good fortune. I look farther ahead, and have a faint hope that all may yet turn out well.”