had strangely influenced his mind,
and changed the whole current of his impulses and hopes. The solitude of
his lonely island no longer seemed desirable. The world, with all its
vanities and vexations, was the true sphere of life.

The arrival of Jim now summoned him to the relief of Mrs. Swinger.
Calling in the old negro, he gave him some directions in case the
patient should awake, and, taking his case of surgical instruments, he
proceeded to the landing. Unmooring the sail-boat, he took the two
messengers on board, with their boat in tow. The wind was still fresh,
and the yacht, with all her sails spread, bore the doctor rapidly on his
errand of mercy. A strange impulse seemed to animate him,--an impulse of
genuine, heart-felt sympathy towards the whole human family,--a feeling
to which he had before been a stranger. His profession seemed to him now
a boon of mercy to the suffering, and he saw how poorly he had performed
his mission to the world. He felt a pleasure he had never before
experienced, in being able to relieve the distressed, to heal the
wounded heart, as well as the bruised limb.

Under the skilful pilotage of Dr. Vaudelier the more rapid currents were
avoided, the boat pressed to her utmost speed; and in a short time the
party landed at the wood-yard of Jerry Swinger.

During the absence of the messengers Emily, by the most assiduous
attentions, had succeeded in restoring the wounded woman to a state of
partial consciousness. The arrival of the doctor increased her hopes of
a speedy restoration. The rough woodman, who had patiently watched Emily
as she labored over his beloved partner, was melted into tears of joy
when he heard her faintly articulate his name.

After a thorough examination of the wound, the doctor announced the
gratifying intelligence that the woman was not dangerously wounded. The
severe operation of extracting the ball was performed, and the patient
left to the quiet her situation demanded.

On the passage from Cottage Island Hatchie had related the particulars
of the affray, so that on his arrival Dr. Vaudelier was in possession of
all the facts.

"You have had a severe fight here, madam," said he to Emily, who had
followed him out to inquire more particularly into the situation of her
hostess.

"We have, indeed; but I trust no lives will be lost," replied Emily.

"No; the woman will do very well. The wound is a severe one, but not
dangerous. Her strong constitution will res