CHAPTER IV.

A LITTLE RUN IN THE NIGHT.


When Thad thus broke in upon the little drama being enacted upon
the strip of beach under the overhanging bank of the river the
three negroes, as well as Maurice, looked toward the deck of the
boat.

By the light of the fire on the sand Thad was seen holding the old
Marlin in his hands, and keeping the frowning muzzles of the two-
barrel gun pointed in the direction of the black tramp who had
seemed about to interfere with the passage of Maurice to the boat.

Evidently none of the fellows were armed, at least with shooting
irons, for it was almost ludicrous to see the rapidity with which
they threw up their arms and showed signs of surrender.

"Don't let dat little buster go off, mister. We ain't meanin' yuh
no ha'm, 'deed we ain't now, We's jes' de most innercentest coons
yuh eber seed, we is. All we asks is a chanct tuh wawm our fingers
by dis ere blaze, an' I reckons yuh won't keer 'bout dat, massa,"
exclaimed the leader, in a whining tone.