amongst the loose stones, and the rangers began to mutter that night
would be upon them before they reached a safer footing.

"Mr. Haward! Mr. Haward!" said the Governor sternly. "It is in my mind
that you meditate inflicting a greater harm than you have received. Let me
tell you, sir, if you think to so repay a simple-minded hospitality"--

Mr. Haward's eyes narrowed. "I own Colonel Spotswood for Governor of
Virginia," he said, speaking slowly, as was his wont when he was angry.
"His office does not, I think, extend farther than that. As for these
pleasant-minded gentlemen who are not protected by their rank I beg to
inform them that in my fall my sword arm suffered no whit."

Turning, he beckoned to a negro who had worked his way from the servants
in the rear, along the line of rangers, to the outskirts of the group of
gentlemen gathered around the Governor and the injured man. "Juba," he
ordered, "draw your horse and mine to one side. Your Excellency, may I
again remind you that it draws toward nightfall, and that this road will
be no pleasant one to travel in the dark?"

What he said was true; moreover, upon the setting out of the expedition it
had been laughingly agreed that any gentleman who might find his spirits
dashed by the dangers and difficulties of the way should be at liberty at
any time to turn his back upon the mountains, and his face toward safety
and the settlements. The Governor frowned, bit his lips, but finally burst
into unwilling laughter.

"You are a very young gentleman, Mr. Marmaduke Haward!" he cried. "Were
you a little younger, I know what ointment I should prescribe for your
hurt. Go your ways with your broken ankle; but if, when I come again to