“There’s a runaway in thar, I reckon,” said one of the party.  He threw open the door, and several of the men entered.  A fire of logs was burning on the earthen floor, and beside it was stretched a negro’s form, wrapped in a tattered blanket.  He started up as his unwelcome visitors entered, and looked frightened and bewildered, as if suddenly awakened from a sound sleep.  However, he had no sooner laid eyes upon Seth Rawbon than, with a yell of fear, he sprang with a powerful leap through the doorway, leaving his blanket in the hands of those who sought to grasp him.

“That’s my nigger Jim!” cried Rawbon, discharging his revolver at the dusky form as it ran like a deer into the shadow of the woods.  At every shot, the negro jumped and screamed, but, from his accelerated speed, was apparently untouched.

“After him, boys!” shouted Rawbon.  “Five dollars apiece and a gallon of whisky if you bring the varmint in.”

With a whoop, the whole party went off in chase and were soon lost to view in the darkness.

Harold and Arthur led Oriana into the hut, and, spreading their coats upon the damp floor, made a rude couch for her beside the fire.  The poor girl was evidently prostrated with fatigue and excitement, yet, with a faint laugh and a jest as she glanced around upon the questionable accommodations, she thanked them for their kindness, and seated herself beside the blazing fagots.

“This is a strange finale to our pleasure excursion,” she said, as the grateful warmth somewhat revived her spirits.  “You must acknowledge me a prophetess, gentlemen,” she added, with a smile, “for you see that we sailed indeed into the shadows of misfortune.”

“Should your health not suffer from this exposure,” replied Arthur, “our adventure will prove no misfortune, but only a theme for mirth hereafter, when we recall to mind our present piteous plight.”

“Oh, I am strong, Mr. Wayne,” she answered cheerfully, perceiving the expression of solicitude in the countenances of her companions, “and have passed the ordeal of many a thorough wetting with impunity.  Never fear but I shall fare well enough.  I am only sorry and ashamed that all our boasted Virginia hospitality can afford you no better quarters than this for your last night among us.”

“Apart from the discomfort to yourself, this little episode will only make brighter by contrast my remembrance of the many happy hours we have passed together,” said Arthur, with a tone of deep feeling that caused Oriana to turn and gaze thoughtfully into the flaming pile.

Harold said nothing, and stood leaning moodily against the wall of the hovel, evidently a prey to painful thoughts.  His mind wandered into the glooms of the future, and dwelt upon the hour when he, perhaps, should tread with hostile arms the soil that was the birthplace of his beloved.  “Can it be possible,” he thought, “that between us twain, united as we are in soul, there can exist such variance of opinion as will make her kin and mine enemies, and perhaps the shedders of each other’s blood!”