ked grimly, nodding
backward across his shoulder. "'Tis about the hour now for those in
the hands of the Dons to have their backs against the wall."
I caught a sound as of a partially suppressed sob behind me, but before
I could turn sufficiently to ascertain the cause, the Chevalier sprang
past, rocking the little boat furiously, and my ears overheard that
which caused me to keep my face set the other way.
"Eloise!" he exclaimed exultantly. "Are you here, little wife? Mon
Dieu! I dreamed it not; yet should have known you would never leave
such duty to the slaves."
"I was simply compelled to come," she answered, and I could mark her
voice falter. "Do not be angry with me. What have I now left except
you? The rising of the sun sealed my father's fate."
"True," he admitted soberly, lifting his hat in grave gesture. "I feel
like a condemned coward, my name a byword for the rabble, being here in
such comparative safety, when, in honor, I should be lying beside my
comrades."
"Nay; say not that! You are young; much of life, of usefulness, lies
before you. I knew that at the best only one destined victim might be
plucked from the Spaniard's vengeance. It was at his approval I made
choice of you. My father is robbed of but few years, while you are too
young to die. Somewhere--God guiding--we shall find a home again, and
days of peace."
"Ay! you were ever of brave heart, Eloise. But let us not forget we
yet remain in reach of Spanish claws, and they are merciless. Go back
to the tiller a while, and let me lay hold upon this oar; 'tis heavy
work for such soft hands as yours. Point the course direct for the
cane island--you must remember it; you were there once with me."
I fail to recall even glancing into her face as she sat fronting me,
her hands upon the tiller bar. I durst not, fearing some telltale
expression within my eyes might bring her added pain. So I sat with
glance downcast upon the planks, while tugging doggedly at the oar with
all my strength, feeling that same sunrise had brought with it my own
death warrant. So dull and heavy grew my heart with lonely weariness,
I cannot guess how long we pulled before the boat's nose ran up upon
the shore, and De Noyan, springing overboard, dragged it well beyond
view among the thick cane.
"We shall be safe enough here," he exclaimed lightly, gazing about with
approval. "Come, Eloise, step on this dry sand, for you must be
greatly cramped from
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