"Yes; but I can't stop to talk. Wake up your officer."
I hurried Firefly to the barn, and dismounted.
"Who is it? What has happened?" asked Mrs. Gracewood, in trembling tones, as she came towards the stable.
"It's only Phil," I replied. "All right, Mrs. Gracewood."
"Where have you been? I was afraid the Indians had caught you."
"O, have you heard anything from her?" demanded she, choking with emotion.
"Yes, we have heard from her. She's all right," I answered, as I throw the harness upon Firefly.
"What do you mean? Don't deceive me, Phil."
"I won't, Mrs. Gracewood. You shall see her yourself in ten minutes."
"Where is she?" gasped the poor mother, apparently unable to believe the good news.
"She is down at the landing; but she is all worn out, and not able to move a step. I am going down with the wagon after her."
"Certainly I do, Mrs. Gracewood; and her father is with her."
"Father in heaven, I thank thee!" exclaimed she, fervently, sobbing and weeping.
"It's just as I tell you; but you had better go into the house, for there are some Indians along the river somewhere."
"I am not afraid of them, if I can only see Ella."
By this time, the sentinel who had confronted me had passed the word to the camp, and the soldiers were all under arms. A squad of them hastened to the river, and presently I heard a couple of shots in that direction. I had finished harnessing the horses, and was putting old Matt's bed upon the wagon for Ella to lie upon, when Lieutenant Jackson, the officer in command of the detachment, rushed up to me.
"What is the matter?" he demanded. "Are we attacked?"
"There are three Indians on the river. I suppose your men are firing at them. Here is an order from Lieutenant Pope," I added, handing him the paper, and jumping upon the wagon, where Mrs. Gracewood had already placed herself. "We have recovered the young lady, and I am going down to the landing after her."
"I will go with you;" and he leaped upon the wagon.
"I advise you to take two or three more with you. You may capture the three Indians your men are firing at now."
He called three of his men, who joined us in the wagon, and I drove off as fast as I could make the horses go.
"Where did you see Lieutenant Pope?" asked Mr. Jackson.