ON THE MARCH AGAIN. 269 know that we hâve no alternative but to return to the coast immediately if we would escape the two rascals." " I only wish I could catch them," saîd Hercules, who had overheard the conversation ; " I would soon knock theîr heads together ;** and he shook his two fists in giving emphasis to his words. '• But what will become of my boy ? " crîed Mrs. Weldon, în tones of despondency ; "I hâve been so sanguine in procuring him the comforts of San Felice." " Master Jack will be ail rîght enough, madam, when we get into a more healthy situation near the coast," said Tom. " But îs there no farm anywhere near ? no village ? no shelter ? " she pleaded. " None whatever, madam ; I can only repeat that it is absolutely necessary that we make the best of our way back to the sea-shore." " Are you quite sure, Dick, that Mr. Harris has deceived us?" Dick felt that he should be glad to avoid any discus- sion on the subject, but with a warning glance at Tom, he proceeded to say that on the previous night he and Tom had discovered the Amerîcan's treachery, and that if he had not instantly taken to his horse and fled he would hâve answered for his guilt with his life. Without, however, dwellîng for a moment more than he could avoid upon the past, he hurried on to détail the means by whîch he now proposed to reach the sea, concluding by the assertion that he hoped a very few miles* march would bring them to a stream on which they might be able to embark. Mrs. Weldon, thoroughly ignoring her own weakness, professed her readiness not only to walk, but to carry Jack too. Bat and Austin at once volunteered to carry her in a lîtter ; of this the lady would not hear, and bravely repeated her intention of travelling on foot, announcing her will- ingness to start without further delay. Dick Sands was only tqp glad to assent to her wish.
- Let me take Master Jack," said Hercules ; " I shall be
eut of my élément if I hâve nothing to carr>'."
