I jumped upon his back, and rode down to the landing, where Mr. Gracewood was hauling up his boat. My appearance on horseback startled him and Ella, but the sound of my voice reassured them. I explained in what manner I happened to be mounted so speedily.
"I will ride up to the Castle, and see that the soldiers are on the lookout for those Indians," I added. "I will return with the wagon in a few minutes, and carry you to the house."
"And leave us here alone?" said Mr. Gracewood.
"Do you think there is any danger?" I inquired.
"Those Indians may land here and discover us. For myself I don't care; but I am afraid on account of Ella, who is too weak to run, how ever great the peril."
"I will take her on the horse with me if you like," I suggested.
"But you may meet the savages, and a bullet from the cunning foe might destroy all my hopes in this world."
"I will not leave you, then, sir; but I thought Ella was too feeble to walk another mile."
"I could not walk a mile," added she, faintly.
Ella had sat so long in the barge that her limbs were stiff, and she was unable to walk, even a short distance. Her father had lifted her out of the boat, and seated her on a log.
"I could do nothing if the Indians came upon me, with my child in this helpless condition. I will carry her in my arms a little way, and we will conceal ourselves in the bushes. Go as quick as you can, Phil Farringford," said the anxious father.
"I will not be absent long," I replied, as I urged Firefly forward.
The horse was anxious to reach his stable, and he galloped at the top of his speed. I kept a wary lookout for the savages, as I approached the Castle, but I saw none.
"Halt!" shouted a sentinel, placing himself in the road.
This vigilance on the part of the troops assured me the Castle was in no danger of a surprise, and I reined in my steed.
"Friend, in a tremendous hurry," I replied.
"Advance, friend in a tremendous hurry, and give the countersign."
"I have no countersign; but I am Phil Farringford."
"Yes; and by this time there are three Indians in a dugout in front of you. Stir up your men, and send two or three of them down towards the landing. Mr. Gracewood and his daughter are there, and the Indians may find them."