_Sudden and unaccountable Reunion of the two wandering Bands.--A
tremendous Circle described by Somebody.--Where are we going?
Scott’s Bay, or Hall’s Harbor.--Descent into the Plain.--Twinkling
Lights.--Sudden Sound of Sea Surf breaking in the Middle of a Prairie._
AND now every moment it grew darker and darker. It was about eight
o’clock. The sun had gone down, the shadows of night were gathering, and
the fog seemed thicker than ever. As they walked on they could see but a
few paces before them.
They supposed themselves to be going in the direction of the house where
the wagons were left; but, after all, they were not quite sure of the
way. It might be some other road altogether. They had been over the
Scott’s Bay road once or twice before, but it would not have been
familiar even by daylight, while in such gloom as this, no road, however
familiar, could be recognized. As they went they peered anxiously
through the gloom, in hopes of seeing cultivated fields, or houses. But
nothing of the kind appeared to their anxious eyes. They also looked
forward with straining eyes, and listened with the closest attention,
in hopes of meeting with some people who might make them acquainted
with their actual position. But nothing could be either seen or heard in
front, and so they had nothing else to do than to walk on as quickly as
their wearied limbs would allow.
At length they heard the sound of voices ahead, and footsteps, which
seemed to approach them. They stood and waited. Soon a number of figures
appeared, rendered gigantic by the mist and darkness. The boys hurried
towards them, and Bruce at once addressed the foremost figure.
The foremost figure at the same instant addressed Bruce.
And both asked exactly the same question, or rather part of what would
evidently have been the same question if it had been finished.