panion. "But remember, I have nothing to do with the robbery."

"Of course not, and nothing to do with sharing the proceeds; but sit
down, if you have anything to say to me. We are perfectly safe from
interruption here;" and Vernon seated himself on the box which was
occupied by the mulatto.

"My words need not be many. In the first place, I have been insulted,
and must have satisfaction; and, in the second, there is a girl in the
cabin to whom I am much attached, and she will not give me the smallest
sign of encouragement. Have her I must, by fair means or foul. I would
marry her. You understand?"

"Certainly; but what's the plan?" asked Vernon, indifferently.

"Rather a difficult one, and may require some nerve to execute it,"
replied Maxwell, who proceeded to develop his schemes, both in respect
to Henry Carroll and to Emily.

Although the conspirators spoke in a low tone, Hatchie heard and
understood the whole plot. The voice of Maxwell he recognized, and,
although the name of the lady against whom his designs were meditated
was not mentioned, he comprehended who she was.

The confederated scoundrels having finished their conference, Vernon
drew from his pocket a small screw-driver, and proceeded to remove the
screws from one of the boxes, which, to Hatchie's great relief, was not
the one occupied by himself. After much labor, for the boxes were
carefully constructed, to bear the rough usage of transportation, he
succeeded in removing the lid, and deposited the bag of money between
the coffin and the case which enclosed it.

Having effected the object which brought them to the hold, the two
ascended again, and made their way to the cabin.

In addition to the knowledge of the plot, Hatchie was made acquainted
with a fact which afforded him much pleasure--that Henry Carroll, in
defence of his mistress, had knocked Maxwell down. This was evidence in
his favor. He also heard something of the preference she had bestowed
upon him, and that on this account, more than for the blow, he was to be
the victim of Maxwell's vengeance. But he resolved to foil both schemes.

CHAPTER XII.

"He must be taught to know he has presumed
To stand in competition with me.
--You will not kill him?" SHIRLEY.

--"Wherefore com'st thou?
--To comfort you, and bring you joyful news."
MARLOW.

On the second night of the Chalmetta's voyage, as Henry was about to