The object of their visit accomplished, Hatchie saw them return to their
boat, and row down the river. After they had disappeared round a bend,
he descended from the tree, and examined the labors of Vernon. He found
the bushes which had been cut down were nicely placed at each end of the
path in an upright position, so as to conceal it from the eyes of the
passer. For a long time the mulatto reflected upon the conversation he
had heard, and considered the means of defeating the diabolical plot.
Against a band of ruffians, such as Vernon would enlist for the service,
he could not contend single-handed. To remove his mistress from the
island, while Henry Carroll lay helpless there, would not be an
acceptable proposition to her. Resolving to lay the information he had
gained before Dr. Vaudelier, he returned to his canoe, and, having
rounded the island, reached the cottage by the usual passage.
* * * * *
Henry Carroll still slept. For six hours he had lain under the influence
of the powerful opiate.
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