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Reeder and Sam, with their party, had been creeping about in the woods for upwards of three weeks, blockading, as it wore, the deepest recesses of tho inaccessible parts of the island, where Jack, far remote from all human society, resided; but their search was in vain. Reeder and Sam, therefore, tired of this mode of war, resolved to proceed by themselves in search of his retreat, and take him by storming it, or perish in the attempt. The negro boy, Tuckey, being a lad of great spirit, and a good shot, was, however, determined to accompany them.
"Theso three whom I well knew," says Dr. Moseley, "left the rest of the party, from whom they had not been long separated, before they discovered, by impressions among the weeds and bushes, that some person must have lately passed that way.
They silently and cautiously followed their impressions, and soon perceived a smoke.—They then prepared for war."
Jack, after the escape of the two lovers, fearful of being surprised in his cave, seldom visited it, straying about in different parts of the mountains. This caused him much anxiety; he grew weary of his situation, and the forebodings of his soul whispering mischief to his heart, caused an unusual heaviness on his spirits.
Reeder and Sam, by following the impressions on the grass, came upon Jack before he observed them. He was roasting plantains by a fire on the ground, at the mouth of the cave. Turning round, he discovered his enemies; and snatching his guns, he instantly jumped up. His looks were fierce and terrible, and he told them he would kill them instantly if they did not surrender
Reeder undauntedly replied that his obi had no power over him now, for he was christened, and his
