ding by the side of the doctor's yacht, Vernon found no one to oppose
his progress, though the sounds from the lower extremity of the island
indicated that the affray was growing hotter and more violent. At the
head of his party, Vernon was about to enter the house, when the
approach of a body of men from the scene of action caused him to pause,
and await their approach.

Maxwell had landed on the beach, and, not suspecting the proximity of
the ambush which waited to receive him, had proceeded towards the avenue
made at his first visit to the island. Removing the loose bushes, they
attempted to pass through; but no sooner were they fairly involved among
the young trees than Jerry Swinger shouted his first order, to light the
torches, and, in an instant, the woods were illuminated, and the
position of both parties disclosed. This was, undoubtedly, a masterly
stroke of preparation on the part of Jerry. The torches, on the
application of the match, emitted a broad sheet of flame, which glared
upon the invaders like a sudden flash of lightning, and utterly
confounded them. It seemed like the bolt of Omnipotence thrown across
their path in the hour of their great transgression.

Maxwell was unprepared for an immediate attack. He had calculated on
effecting a junction with Vernon in the vicinity of the cottage. Before
his party had time to recover from the panic, they were surrounded by
the resolute woodmen. The attorney, who was as brave and active as he
was unprincipled and cunning, was not a man to be defeated without a
stout resistance. Encouraging his party by shouts, and by his own
example, a general engagement ensued.

Hatchie no sooner saw the foe of his mistress' peace, than, stepping
between him and Jerry Swinger, who also had an account to settle with
him, he knocked down the pistol which was levelled at his head, and
grasped him by the throat. In the hands of Hatchie the attorney was as
nothing. The stalwart mulatto cast him upon the ground, and, with his
cord, bound him hand and foot. The leader vanquished, it was the work of
but a few moments to secure the rest of the assailants.

Jerry Swinger learned, from sundry exclamations of the defeated party,
that another portion of the expedition was to land at the creek. Leaving
a few of his men in charge of the prisoners, he made all haste, with the
remainder, towards the cottage.

The affray had occupied but a few moments. The sturdy woodmen,
accustomed to such