Our gentlemen did not join in the chase, but having seen it well begun,
continued on their homeward way.
"And you did consent to the use of hounds?" Elsie said inquiringly, and
with a slightly reproachful look at her husband.
"My dear," he answered gently, "having been put into the hands of the
police it has now become a commonwealth case, and I have no authority to
dictate their mode of procedure."
"Forgive me, dearest, if I seemed to reproach you," she whispered, the
sweet eyes seeking his with a loving, repentant look, as for a moment they
were left alone together.
He drew her to him with a fond caress. "My darling, I have nothing to
forgive."
In the cabin at whose door Jackson had made his call and remounted his
steed, a woman--the same with whom his business had been transacted--was
stooping over an open fire, frying fat pork and baking hoe-cake. Bill sat
on his bench smoking as before, while several tow-headed children romped
and quarreled, chasing each other round and round the room with shouts of
"You quit that ere!" "Mammy, I say, make her stop."
"Hush!" cried the woman, suddenly straightening herself, and standing in a
listening attitude, as a deep sound came to the ear, borne on the evening
breeze.
"Hounds! bloodhounds!" cried Bill, springing to his feet with unwonted
energy.
Pages:
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192