CHAPTER XVII.
The Scene at the Plantation.
Next evening, George took the lead, and conducted them through the woods, with a certainty that showed that he was well acquainted with the ground over which they were passing.

Not a word did he speak until they emerged from the woods, and found before them a large plantation, with the huge, old-fashioned farm-house, surrounded by its negro quarters and out-buildings, looming up in the distance.
George gazed upon the scene long and earnestly, until his feelings overcame him, when he leaned his head upon his hand, and gave full vent to his sorrow.

He did not weep, but the heaving of his chest, and the quivering of his whole frame, showed how severe was the struggle that was going on within him.

His companions, who well knew what was passing in his mind, leaned on their weapons, and silently waited until the burst of grief had subsided.

At length, George recovered his composure, and said, slowly: "It looks natural, boys; every thing is just as I left it five years ago.