the bomb-proof; and the soldier, as directed by his
master, now drew up his tall figure against the ruin,
where he continued for a period immovable, as if he had
been planted there in his ordinary character of sentinel,
listening, until they eventually died away in distance,
to the receding footsteps of his master; and then ruminating
on the several apprehensions that crowded on his mind,
in regard to the probable issue of his adventurous project.

Meanwhile, Captain de Haldimar and his guide trod the
mazes of the forest, with an expedition that proved the
latter to be well acquainted with its bearings. On quitting
the bomb-proof, she had struck into a narrow winding
path, less seen than felt in the deep gloom pervading
the wood, and with light steps bounded over obstacles
that lay strewed in their course, emitting scarcely more
sound than would have been produced by the slimy crawl
of its native rattlesnake. Not so, however, with the less
experienced tread of her companion. Wanting the pliancy
of movement given to it by the light mocassin, the booted
foot of the young officer, despite of all his precaution,
fell heavily to the ground, producing such a rustling
among the dried leaves, that, had an Indian ear been
lurking any where around, his approach must inevitably
have been betrayed. More than once, too, neglecting to
follow the injunction of his companion, who moved in a
stooping posture, with her head bent over her chest, his
hat was caught in the closely matted branches, and fell
sullenly and heavily to the earth, evidently much to the
discomfiture of his guide.