It was
arranged that Hatchie should go with him, to assist in rowing back.
As they were about to depart, Vernon showed signs of returning life, and
Hatchie conveyed him to an out-building till a more convenient season,
and then dismissed the negro and his vehicle, which had been brought to
convey Emily to Vicksburg.
CHAPTER XVI.
"Then rose from sea to sky the wild farewell;
Then shrieked the timid, and stood still the brave;
Then some leaped overboard with dreadful yell,
As eager to anticipate their grave." BYRON.
We left the Chalmetta in a situation which demands explanation.
Emily retired to her state-room on that dreadful night entirely relieved
from the distressing anticipations which had before oppressed her. Her
name and her home were virtually restored to her. The foul stain upon
the honor of her father had been removed. Doubt and fear scarcely
disturbed her; the battle yet to be fought seemed but a trifle. Maxwell
had said her uncle was left at a wood-yard. This was strange. It looked
not like an accident, but the doing of the wily attorney; and perhaps
Jaspar had voluntarily withdrawn; perhaps her uncle had made _her_ the
reward of Maxwell's silence.
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