CHAPTER XI.
IN VIRGINIA Harry left the valley with the keenest feeling of regret, realizing at the parting how strong a friendship he had formed with this family.
But he felt that he could not delay any longer.

Affairs must be moving now in the great world in the east, and he wished to be at the heart of them.

He had a strong, sure-footed horse, and he had supplies and an extra suit of clothes in his saddle bags.

The rifle across his back would attract no attention, as all the men in the mountains carried rifles.
Jarvis had instructed Harry carefully about the road or path, and as the boy was already an experienced traveler with an excellent sense of direction, there was no danger of his getting lost in the wilderness.
Jarvis, Ike, and Mrs.Simmons gave him farewells which were full of feeling.

Aunt Suse had come down the brick walk, tap-tapping with her cane, as Harry stood at the gate ready to mount his horse.
"Good-bye, Aunt Susan," he said.