Part 29 (2/2)

At daybreak, Point au Fer light, which was marked on Dan's map, lay directly ahead of them. The land to the westward was low and swampy, and with frequent indentations. In one of these Dan came to anchor about sunrise. He was much perplexed to know what he should do with Colonel Raybone. He could not think of going to sea with him on board, and to send him back was to invite an immediate pursuit.

The good care which had been bestowed upon the planter had very sensibly improved his condition. After breakfast he inquired of Dan where he had been for a year, and the whole story of the residence in the swamp was narrated to him. In return he told the fugitives what had been done to recover them, and added that he was on his way from New Orleans to Mr.

Lascelles' plantation when he discovered the Isabel. Colonel Raybone said not a word about reclaiming his property, and apparently only cherished the hope of saving himself.

”Now, Dandy, what are you going to do with me?” asked he, when he had finished his narrative.

”I don't know, sir. After the whipping I got, I determined to run away; and I say now I would rather die than go back,” replied he.

”Didn't I use you well?” asked the colonel.

”As well as any master can use a slave.”

”I was rather sorry afterwards that I whipped you; but you were treated as well as the members of my own family; and so was Lily.”

”But I was a slave, and so was she. Master Archy tormented me, and Miss Edith tormented Lily. I could have borne it, perhaps, if I hadn't been whipped.”

”You have your revenge now,” added the planter, meekly. ”I am in your power.”

”I don't seek revenge, and I wouldn't harm you for all the world,”

replied Dan.

The proud spirit of the planter was subdued by pain, weakness, and the fear of death, and he was in no condition to think of resistance. He offered to give the fugitives free papers if they would land him at any place where there was a surgeon, and from which he could be removed to Redlawn; but Dan dared not run any risks. The planter wanted to know where they were going, but the prudent skipper declined to answer this question.

The Isabel remained at anchor for three days, under the lea of the land, during which time Colonel Raybone was carefully nursed by Dan and Lily; but his wound was still very painful, and the patient, fearful of mortification, or some other unfavorable turn in his condition, declared himself willing to do any thing rather than remain any longer in this place.

”I might put you on board of some vessel if I dared to do so,” said Dan.

”What do you fear?” demanded the sufferer.

”If you should tell the people of the vessel what we are, they would capture us.”

”Do you think I would do that, Dandy?” asked he, in reproachful tones.

”I am afraid to run any risks, sir.”

”Will you let me die here? My wound may mortify. I think it is growing worse instead of better,” added he, with a groan of anguish. ”I will give you my word, Dandy, if you will put me on board of any vessel bound to any place where I can get home, I will give you all your freedom. If you are arrested, send to me, and you shall have free papers. You know I always keep my word, Dandy.”

It was a terrible necessity which could extort such a declaration from the imperious planter, and Dan decided to accept the proposition. The anchor was weighed, and the Isabel stood out of the inlet where she had lain for three days. They cruised all day without meeting a vessel; but on the following morning they hailed a small schooner bound up the bay.

”I will keep my promise, Dandy, to the letter,” said Colonel Raybone, as they bore him to the deck. ”Here is some money, which you may want before long;” and he handed Dan a roll of bills.

”Thank you, sir,” replied he. ”I hope we part friends.”

”Yes, Dandy; and if you ever want a friend, come to me.”

The crew of the schooner asked a great many questions, all of which Colonel Raybone took it upon himself to answer. He was placed in the cabin of the vessel, and Dan, bidding him good by, hastened back to the Isabel. They parted in peace, and Lily could not restrain her tears as the schooner bore away on her course.

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