Ben recognized them. One was Jabez Zitner and the other Horace Burwink
--both middle aged, sturdy, and strong. They were neighbors, and
had taken part in the engagement the day before, but, escaping
without harm, were now on their way to the settlements of the Upper
Delaware.
A meeting of this kind would have been pleasing in the highest
degree, for it added great strength to the party; but a misgiving
came to the lad when he recognized Zitner. He was the man who, when
partially intoxicated the previous afternoon, had tried to take
Linna from him and was vigorously shoved aside by her friend.
"Helloa, Ben! where did you come from?" asked Zitner, who was now
entirely himself.
"Glad to see you," added Burwink, and the two extended their hands.
"You gave us a great scare, for the woods are full of redskins."
"You startled me, too," replied Ben. "I am travelling with my mother
and sister to Stroudsburg. I suppose you are aiming for the same
place?"
"Yes--if we ever get there. What become of that little sarpent
you had with you yesterday?"
It was Zitner who asked the question. Ben's face flushed, for he
did not like to hear Linna spoken of in that way.
"She is with us," he quietly replied.
"What are you going to do with her?"
"She is in our care, and goes wherever we go.
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