"
"You undervalue your own efforts. He who gets into the Mississippi
seldom gets out alive. Without your timely assistance, I tremble to
think of what might have been the end. My experience of the river
enabled me to bring her up; but without your aid at the moment it came I
do not think I could have saved her. But this is all past. Thank God,
she is yet safe, though another danger hovers over her."
"This foul conspiracy,--will they put it in execution to-night?"
"I heard the villain they call Vernon, an hour ago, engage a deck hand
to help him row the boat."
"Then there is indeed danger. I had thought Maxwell's wound would have
prevented it for a season."
"A mere scratch. I would your ball had found the villain's heart, if he
has one. But Vernon is the most dangerous man--a more accomplished
villain."
"Vernon," said Henry, musing; "he was Maxwell's second."
"Yes. That duel was a plot to murder you."
"How so?"
Hatchie explained the plan of Vernon, which had been rendered futile by
his precaution.
"The scoundrel! but how knew you this, and how happens it that I escaped
while he is wounded?" said Henry.
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