"I know Donald is very anxious; and no wonder, with two women with him, both young and pretty--quite out of the way, indeed.

In fact, he told me the first day I rode over, he had no idea of the unsettled state of the district, and wouldn't have taken the place if he had, not even if Anderson had given it as a gift; and he wrote down at once to some agent, and told him to sell the place again, for whatever he can get for it; but I expect there will be some trouble in finding a purchaser.

The district here has had a bad name for some time and, if Donald had not arrived fresh from England, he must have heard of it.
"Listen! I thought I heard the sound of firing." There was a momentary pause, but no one could hear anything.
Nevertheless, they went on at redoubled speed.

They were now within three miles of the station.
Suddenly, on coming over a crest, a faint light was seen ahead.

It increased rapidly, and a tongue of flame leapt up.
"Come on, lads!" Reuben exclaimed.