He heard De Guy read the fictitious will, and at once
discerned enough of the plot to comprehend the danger that hovered over
his mistress. He understood that the real will was to be destroyed; and
his first impulse was to save it, which he had adroitly accomplished as
before related.
When Hatchie reached the open air, he was sensible of the dangerous
position in which his bold act had placed him. So sudden and
unpremeditated had been his action that no thought of future
consequences had accompanied it. But, undismayed, he ran at his fleetest
speed towards the river. He heard the footsteps of his pursuers, and
every step he advanced he expected to receive the bullet of Jaspar.
Trusting for safety to the darkness of the night, he quickened his
speed, till he gained the steep bank of the river. Leaping into the
canoe which he discovered in his flight, he pushed out into the stream,
and was several rods advanced towards the opposite shore when his
pursuers reached the bank.
Plying the canoe with all the strength and skill of which he was master,
his progress was suddenly interrupted by a log, upon which his frail
bark struck with much violence.
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