midnight, and then we had a rough time of it. There were plenty of
others that tried to do the same and never got to this side."

"When did you leave?" asked Burwink of the lady.

"We crossed before it was dark."

"How did you manage it? Swim?"

"No; we came over in a canoe. A Delaware Indian, the father of
Linna, swam behind the boat and pushed it across. But for him, we
never could have gotten away."

Mrs. Ripley, like her son, meant to keep the name of their friend
from these men. There was no danger of either her or Ben telling
it; but neither thought of another means they had of learning it.

At this point, Alice went to her mother and leaned against her
knees, with her gaze on the faces of the men. She had been standing
beside Linna, whose eyes were never once removed from the displeasing
countenance of Zitner.

She must have noticed the incident referred to, for the expression
on her round face was of dislike and distrust. She stood further
off from the men than anyone else--silent, watchful, and suspicious.

Zitner now looked at her.

"Come here," he said coaxingly, extending his hand.