McCleary had proposed he should ride, and yet to do so would delay him
greatly, in addition to the possibility of arousing suspicion against his
friend.

By leaving the main road six miles farther on, and striking across a tract
of wooded country, the distance could be reduced materially; but even then
there would remain at least fifty miles to be traversed.

"I can walk to Salem," he said, at length; "and there, William Cotton will
provide me with a horse."

"It is a desperate journey, and dangerous, if some should learn why you
had undertaken it. I--"

"You would not bid me stay, mother, but rather urge me forward. I have no
time to lose."

"You will at least wait until I can put up some food."

"Yes; it will be necessary to eat, I suppose. Bread and cheese will be
enough, and even that must be got together quickly."

Mrs. Neal made no attempt to dissuade her son from his purpose. That which
he had said concerning his father had been sufficient to silence her on
the score of danger; and, when the small store of provisions were wrapped
in a stout piece of cloth and placed in the pocket of his coat, she kissed
him, but did not dare trust her voice to speak.

With a stout hickory stick as a walking-cane, Walter set out, and there
was sufficient in his mind to provide ample food for thought during the