Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/31

28 "What are you laughing at?" indignantly demanded Seth. "Why, I thought we had arrived at that conclusion long since."

"I didn't think of that; so we did. Howsumever, I've thort further—hey, what's that off yonder? 'Nuther building burning?"

Graham gazed in the direction indicated, and saw that day was breaking. This he remarked to his companion.

"Yes; so 'tis, and I'm glad of it, for we want some light on this subject."

In a short time, the sun appeared above the forest, and poured a flood of golden light over the woods and streams. Birds were singing their morning songs in every part of the wood, and every thing wore as gay a look, as though no deed of blood had been committed during the night. As soon as it was sufficiently light, Seth and Graham made their way toward the stream. "As we shall shortly start," remarked the latter, "I will attend to my horse, which I brought with me. He is but a short distance away, and I will be back in a moment."

So saying, he departed in the wood. He found his horse, completely worn out, asleep upon the ground. He unloosened his fastening, and as there was abundant provender around, in the shape of young and tender twigs and luxuriant grass, he removed the saddle and bridle, and concluded to allow him free scope of the wood until his return, trusting to the rather doubtful chances of ever recovering him again. This done, he returned to his companion.

He found Seth leaning upon his rifle, and gazing meditatively into the silent stream flowing before him. Graham looked curiously at him a moment, and then said:— "I am ready, Seth, if you are."

The individual addressed, turned without a word and strode toward the clearing. When the ruins of the house were reached, they both halted, and in an undertone, he said:

"Hunt up the trail."

Each bent his head toward the ground, and moved in a circle around the clearing. Suddenly Graham paused and proceeding quickly several yards in the wood, halted and exclaimed: