CHAPTER XIV.
Chased by Blood-Hounds.
The moon had gone down, the stars were hidden by thick, heavy clouds, and it was so dark that it was impossible to distinguish the nearest objects.

Every thing was as silent as death; but this did not affect the vigilance of Pomp, who led the way with noiseless steps, pausing, now and then, to listen.

They met with no difficulty, however, and, in a few moments, the plantation was left behind, and they entered the swamp.

It was a chilly, gloomy place, and the darkness was impenetrable; but Frank relied implicitly on his guide, who seemed to understand what he was about, and kept as close behind him as possible.
For an hour they traveled without speaking; at length Pomp stopped on the bank of a narrow but deep stream.
"Can you swim, young massa ?" he inquired, turning to Frank.
"Yes, like a duck," was the reply.
"I's mighty glad to h'ar it," said Pomp, "'cause den you're safe.

But I's been mighty oneasy 'bout it, 'cause, if you can't swim, you're kotched, shore.