Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/65

62 "You see by these coals that they didn't start until daylight; and as that gal of yourn, Haverland, can't travel very fast, of course they've had to take their time."

"Very true; although disappointment has attended us thus far, I begin to feel a little of my natural hope return. I trust that this opportunity will not escape us."

"Ah! more signs yet," exclaimed Graham, who had been examining the ground for several yards around.

"What now."

"That's a piece of her dress is it not?"

And he held up a small, fluttering rag in his hands. The father eagerly took it, and examined it.

"Yes; that is Ina's; I hope no violence has placed it in our hands," and several involuntary tears coursed down his cheek at the allusion.

"I'm thinking she left it there on purpose to guide us," remarked Graham.

"Shouldn't wonder at all," added Haldidge.

"She must have seen us, of course, and has done all she could to guide us."

"Very probable; but it strikes me rather forcibly that we are gaining nothing in particular by remaining here. Remember the savages are going all the time."

Thus admonished, the three set rapidly forward again, the hunter taking the lead as before. The pursuit was kept up without halting until near noon. Conscious that they were rapidly gaining upon the fugitives, it was necessary to proceed with the extremest caution. The breaking of a twig, the falling of a leaf, startled and arrested their steps, and not a word was exchanged except in the most careful whisper. Haldidge was some dozen yards in advance, and the eyes of his companions were upon him, when they saw him suddenly pause and raise his hand as a signal for them to halt. They did so, and stooping downward, he commenced examining the leaves before him. A moment sufficed. He turned and motioned his two companions forward.

"Just as I feared," he moodily exclaimed in a half whisper.

"What's the matter?" asked Haverland anxiously.

"The two trails join here," he answered.

"Are you not mistaken?" asked Haverland, knowing that