to him for the zeal he manifests in my cause."

"Thank you, Miss Dumont," said Vernon. "You are too generous; but, be
assured, your confidence shall not be abused."

It was determined that Vernon should immediately depart for Vicksburg,
whither Maxwell had gone.

CHAPTER XXII.

"He gives me leave to attend you,
And is impatient till he sees you."

SHAKSPEARE.

It was the afternoon of the same day, as Dr. Vaudelier was reclining
upon a rustic seat near the landing, he was surprised by the appearance
of a canoe coming down the creek. The canoe contained an elderly
gentleman, and a negro, who, after several unsuccessful attempts,
succeeded in landing the passenger upon the little pier. He was about
fifty years of age, apparently. His hair and whiskers were a mixture of
gray and black; his countenance was full, and his complexion florid,
which contrasted oddly with the green spectacles that rested upon his
nose.

"Do I have the honor of addressing Dr. Vaudelier?" said, the stranger,
in a tone so soft and silky that the doctor could hardly persuade
himself it did not proceed from a woman.

"That is my name, sir; and to whom am I indebted for this unexpected
pleasure?"

"De Guy, sir,--Antoine De Guy, at your service," squeaked the visitor,
with whom the reader is already acquainted.

"Well, sir, may I inquire the object of your visit?"

"Certainly, sir. I am informed there is a lady at present residing with
you, one of the unfortunate persons who were on board the Chalmetta at
the time of her late disaster. A Miss Dumont."

"Who informed you, sir?"

De Guy hesitated a little, and then said he heard a number of gentlemen
discuss the late disaster at the hotel in Vicksburg; that one of them
had mentioned this fact--he really could not tell the gentleman's name.

"What is your business with the lady?" asked the doctor, to whom the
idea of a new enemy of Emily had already presented itself.

"That, sir, I can best disclose to the lady in person," squeaked the
street-lawyer, with a low bow.

"This way then," and the doctor led him to the library, into which he
soon after conducted Emily.

"Miss Dumont?" said De Guy, rising and making a profound obeisance as
she entered. "My name is De Guy."

Emily bowed slightly, but made no reply.

"May I beg that our interview may be private?" said the attorney,
glancing at Dr. Vaudelier.

"This gentleman is my friend and confidant; it is not nece