We crossed by a ford, so we had no need to swim, which was well for me, for I must have drowned.
The chill of the water revived me somewhat, and I had the strength to climb the other bank.

And then suddenly before me I saw a light, and a challenge rang out into the night.
The voice was a white man's, and brought me to my bearings.

Weak as I was, I had the fierce satisfaction that our errand had not been idle.

I replied with the password, and a big fellow strode out from a stockade.
"Mr.Garvald!" he said, staring.

"What brings you here?
Where are the rest of you ?" He looked at Shalah and then at me, and finally took my arm and drew me inside.
There were a score in the place--Rappahannock farmers, a lean, watchful breed, each man with his musket.