Katharine was gone.

He would not tell his story to-night; she was in the hands of a gang of ruffians.

He knew the reputation of Johnson, and the motives which might actuate him.

There had been a struggle, it was evident; perhaps she had been wounded, killed.

Agony! He knew now how he loved her, and it was too late.
Presently the groom returned, followed by a mob of frightened, terror-stricken negroes who had fled at the first advent of the party.
Talbot issued his orders rapidly.