was it long before Robert and Maud plainly saw the two adventurers quit the bed of the stream and bury themselves in the forest.  The question now seriously arose as to the best course for the major and his companion to pursue.  Under ordinary circumstances, it would have been wisest, perhaps, to descend at once and meet the messengers, who might soon be found at some of the usual haunts of the girl; but against this the latter so earnestly protested, and that in a manner so soothing to the young man’s feelings, that he scarce knew how to oppose her wishes.  She implored him not to confide in Joel Strides too hastily, at least.  It might be time enough, when there was no alternative; until the true character of the party then in the valley was known, it would be premature.  Nothing was easier than to conceal himself until it was dark, when he might approach the Hut, and be admitted without his presence being known to any but those on whom the family could certainly rely.  The major urged the impossibility of his quitting Maud, until she was joined by the two men sent in quest of her, and then it would be too late, as he must be seen.  Although he might escape immediate recognition in his present dress, the presence of a stranger would excite suspicions, and compel an explanation.  To this Maud replied in the following manner:  Her customary places of resort, when in the woods, were well known; more especially to Michael, who was frequently employed in their vicinity.  These were a little water-fall, that was situated a hundred rods up the rivulet, to which a path had been made expressly, and where an arbour, seat, and little table had been arranged, for the purposes of working, reading, or taking refreshments.  To this spot the men would unquestionably proceed first.  Then, there was a deep ravine, some distance farther, that was often visited for its savage beauty, and whither she more frequently went, perhaps, than to any other place.  Thither Michael would be certain to lead his companion.  These two places visited, they might infallibly expect to see the men at the rock, where the two were then seated, as the last spot in which Maud might naturally be expected to be found.  It would require an hour to visit the two places first named, and to examine the surrounding woods; and by that time, not only would the sun be set, but the twilight would be disappearing.  Until that moment, then, the major might remain at her side, and on the sound of the approaching footsteps of the messengers, he had only to retire behind a projection of the rocks, and afterwards follow towards the Knoll, at a safe distance.

This plan was too plausible to be rejected; and giving Robert an hour of uninterrupted discourse with his companion, it struck him as having more advantages than any other mentioned.  The party near the mills, too, remaining perfectly quiet, there was less occasion for any change of their own, than might otherwise have been the case.  So far, indeed, from appearing to entertain any hostile intention, not a cabin had been injured, if approached, and the smoke of the conflagration which had been expected to rise from the mills and the habitations in the glen, did not make its appearance.  If any such ruthless acts as applying the brand and assaulting the people were in contemplation, they were at least delayed until night should veil them in a fitting darkness.