Jackson took it up, and placing it to his mouth drained the last drop.

Then putting on his hat, he stole softly from the house and down the avenue.
To his great joy a boat was just passing in the direction to take him farther from Viamede.

He signaled it, and was taken aboard.
"Been getting Dr.Balis to patch up a wound, eh, stranger ?" said the skipper, glancing at the disabled arm.
"Yes;" and Jackson repeated the story already told to the surgeon.
The skipper sympathized and advised a rest in the cabin.
"Thank you," said Jackson; "but I'm only going a few miles, when I'll reach a point where, by taking to the woods again, I'll be likely to find my friends; who are doubtless anxious to know what has become of me." "Very well, sir, when we come to the right place, just let us know and we'll put you off." Evidently the skipper had heard nothing to arouse his suspicions.

Jackson was landed at the spot he pointed out--a lonely one on the edge of a forest, without question or demur, and the boat went on its way.
He watched it till it disappeared from view, then plunging into the woods, presently found a narrow foot-path, pursuing which for an hour or so he came out into a small clearing.

At the farther side, built just on the edge of the forest, was a rude log cabin.