"
"No; we are far from safe yet," panted Allison, "but--'prayer and
provender hinder no man's journey'; Duncan, let us spend one moment in
silent prayer for success in reaching the Union lines."
They did so, kneeling on the ground; then rose and pressed forward with
confidence. God, whose servants they were and whose help they had asked,
would guide them in the right direction.
"What a providence!" exclaimed Duncan, grasping Harold's arm, as they came
out upon an opening in the wood. "See!" and he pointed upward, "the
clouds have broken away a little, and there shines the North Star: we can
steer by that."
"Thank God! and, so far, we have been traveling in the right direction."
"Amen! and we must press on with all speed; for daylight will soon be upon
us, and with it, in all probability, our escape will be discovered and
pursuit begun."
No more breath could be spared for talk, and they pushed on in silence,
now scrambling through a thicket of underbrush, tearing their clothes and
not seldom lacerating their flesh also; now leaping over a fallen tree,
anon climbing a hill, and again fording or swimming a stream.
At length Harold, sinking down upon a log, said, "I am utterly exhausted!
Can go no farther. Go on, and leave me to follow as I can after a little
rest.
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