His foot caught in a wire-like vine, and he almost fell on his hands and knees.

Aware that he had betrayed himself, he threw aside further caution, hurried down the slope, and called out in a guarded undertone-- "Helloa there, friends!" "Who are you ?" was the demand that instantly followed, and from the undergrowth, beside a small fire, two men suddenly rose upright, each with rifle in hand.
Ben recognized them.

One was Jabez Zitner and the other Horace Burwink--both middle aged, sturdy, and strong.

They were neighbors, and had taken part in the engagement the day before, but, escaping without harm, were now on their way to the settlements of the Upper Delaware.
A meeting of this kind would have been pleasing in the highest degree, for it added great strength to the party; but a misgiving came to the lad when he recognized Zitner.

He was the man who, when partially intoxicated the previous afternoon, had tried to take Linna from him and was vigorously shoved aside by her friend.
"Helloa, Ben! where did you come from ?" asked Zitner, who was now entirely himself.
"Glad to see you," added Burwink, and the two extended their hands.