He was aware that in his own territory he was exposed to
constant danger of detection, yet he plainly saw that escape to the
United States was impossible in his present apparel. The hue-and-cry
would describe him accurately; the law would put a price upon his
head; and what the cupidity of ordinary mankind is he well knew. He
had a half dozen sovereigns and a bank-note in his pocket-book; but
were he to attempt to purchase rougher clothes attention would at once
be attracted to him. As the afternoon wore on hunger continued to
torment him with increasing keenness. Knowing that upon the elevated
ground he would be likely to find a hard-wood grove, he set out, and,
after an hour's tramp, was rewarded by finding himself in a grove of
beeches. He gathered nigh unto a pint of nuts which gave him some
relief; and, as he passed outward again to the pine region, he found a
rowan tree loaded with crimson fruit. He ate several bunches of the
bitter berries, and, having sated his appetite, filled his pockets.
Then, seeking a dense part of the wood, he lay down to rest. He had
resolved that when night came he would set out for Markham, and,
trusting that there were several farm houses near that settlement
whose inmates had not heard of the duel, he determined to obtain food.
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