At last the fugitives breathed free under the gold and red cover of the woods.

Never speaking, never looking back, the guide hurried eastward with long strides.

His followers were almost forced to run in order to keep him in sight.

He had waited at the edge of the clearing for them, and, relieving Jim of the heavy pack, which he swung slightly over his shoulder, he set a pace that was most difficult to maintain.

The young missionary half led, half carried Nell over the stones and rough places.