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"Strange!" he muttered to himself, "I am almost certain that she took this path, and I fancy that the man's voice sounded like that of Ravonino. Nothing more natural than that he should ferret her out. Yet it seems to have been imagination." "It was not imagination," said a rather stern voice at Mark's elbow. He turned quickly. "I was sure of it!" he exclaimed.
"Now, my men," he cried, turning round, "drive in the cattle, work the ody, and make all the dogs bark!" In the midst of an indescribable hubbub the herds were then driven into the river, and the men some in canoes and some on both banks enacted the very scene which Ravonino had described. In a few minutes the whole herd was got over in safety.
Her maid, being of a more robust physical fibre, was not so much overcome, and declared that she could still go on easily. Ravonino at last solved the difficulty by taking his lady-love in his strong arms. She submitted with a sleepy protest, and her little head was no sooner on the man's shoulder than she was fast asleep.
At the same time Ravonino became aware that his presence in the neighbourhood was known, though his complicity in the abduction of his companion in distress, he fancied, had not been suspected. That night the fugitives resumed their journey and travelled till dawn, when they again found safe refuge in the house of a sympathising friend.
It was still in the far distance, with many a rice-field and garden between, but distinctly visible, for it occupies the summit and slopes of a considerable hill. "Here, then, through the goodness of God, we have reached the end of our journey," said Ravonino, halting, "and I must remain behind, while you, my friends, push on to the city.
Their own thick hair was all the cap they wore, excepting two or three men of superior rank, who wore cloths wrapped in turban fashion on their heads, and a voluminous plaid-like garment on their shoulders. These carried swords instead of muskets. "The soldiers of the Queen," said Ravonino, in answer to Mark Breezy's look. "They are out hunting." "What do they hunt for?" asked Mark.
She would probably have lived and died in this condition had not her stout son, when he grew up, resolved to become free. His mother had taught him what she knew of the Christian religion. From Ravonino he learned more, and heard of the escaped Christians who found a refuge in forests and mountains.
"What say you to the first half Ravonino?" "As you please," replied the outlaw, who was already too much absorbed with steaks to look up. "Not a bad notion," said Hockins. "Sam'l Ravonino I've heerd wuss; anyhow it's better than the entire complication eh, Ebony?" "Mush better," assented the negro; "dere's no use wotsomediver for de hitri hitri-folderol-ony bit of it.
"Ravonino," he exclaimed, suddenly grasping the guide's hand, "treat me as a friend and trust me. You love this young girl! Is it not so? Nay, man, don't be angry with me. I can't help sympathising. Why, I know something of your your a condition myself.
This was the first reference that Ravonino had made to the Creator, and Mark was about to push his inquiries further, when a confused sound of voices was heard not far in advance of them. Ravonino, who had been walking with an easy nonchalant air ahead of the party, on a very narrow footpath, suddenly stopped to listen with a look of anxiety.
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