It isn't safe to start till dark, at any rate; for there are some evil persons in the villages ahead, that might be disposed to meddle with us, if they saw our wagon, and that would delay us more than the waiting; but in two hours I think we may venture.

I will go over to Michael Cross, and engage him to come behind on his swift nag, and keep a bright lookout on the road, and warn us if any company of men come on.

Michael keeps a horse that can soon get ahead of most other horses; and he could shoot ahead and let us know, if there were any danger.

I am going out now to warn Jim and the old woman to be in readiness, and to see about the horse.

We have a pretty fair start, and stand a good chance to get to the stand before they can come up with us.