"
"I would not injure you, Miss Dumont," replied Maxwell, in a gentle
tone. "I would see you in safety at your destination. Mr. Vernon has
been two hours absent, in search of a carriage."
"A carriage! For what?"
"To convey you to a steamboat-landing."
"Bless your heart, sir! you needn't go a step for that. My Jerry will
hail the very next one that passes the wood-yard," suggested the old
lady.
"Silence, old woman!" said Maxwell, sternly, for he feared the dame
would increase Emily's distrust of him.
"Don't old-woman me, you puppy! I know what's what!" responded the dame,
sharply, for her temper was not exactly angelic; "it's my opinion you
don't mean this lady any good. Let me tell you, aforehand, you can't cut
any of your didoes here!"
"Silence, woman! when I need your help I will ask it. I propose, Miss
Dumont, to convey you to Vicksburg, where you can be comfortably
accommodated until a steamer arrives which will take you to Cincinnati.
It may be several days, you are aware."
"Several days!" exclaimed the mistress of the cabin; "who ever heerd of
such a thing! There'll be one along afore the day is out.
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