ke you fear, then," and with the words he left the house in a
rage.

While together, Eveline and Duffel were both defiant, though they felt
internal fear of each other, she at his threats, and he in alarm lest she
should know something of his secret villainies; and when alone each gave
way to the feelings uppermost in the mind; she after this manner:

"God grant that no harm come to Charles from this wicked plotter! And yet I
fear he has already contrived to do him mischief. How he was agitated when
I threw out the accusation. Oh, my God! if his hands really are stained
with innocent blood! Charles is no where to be found; what if he has fallen
by the hands of his enemy? What a terrible suspicion! Would to Heaven I
knew the truth!"

But the more she thought the more she feared, until the subject became so
painful she tried to banish it from her mind.

Infuriated and alarmed, Duffel raged on this wise when alone:

"It's all over now! this palaver about love and money! I shall never win my
way to the old man's purse in that manner; but I'll try my skill at taming
that proud, free spirit! Blast the girl! I wonder if she knows anything?
But pshaw! what a thought! How could she?--What a fool I was to be so
startled!--Well she is shrewd, and I give her credit for her penetration;
but she must not be left to surmise and publish her suspicions: I've too
much on hand just now to be set upon by spies; and so the sooner I get her
out of the way the better. Once in my power I'll see that she tells nothing
to my hurt.--Oh, but won't I have a glorious time!--But enough of
anticipation; I must be up and doing lest the captain return and spoil all
my calculations; so now for my precious rascals, Bill and Dick--and
then!--" And with this he started for the "swamp."

When Duffel reached the place of meeting, his accomplices were not there,
and he sat himself down on the trunk of a fallen tree to ruminate until
they should come. As was customary with him under such circumstances, his
thoughts commenced running on schemes of villainy; and he became so deeply
absorbed in fitting out the details of his present all-absorbing operation,
as to be scarcely conscious of anything else, either as regarded time or
place. At length his corrugated brow relaxed, a kind of sardonic smile of
joy spread over his countenance, and he exclaimed in gleeful elation of
spirit:

"I have it! By Jove! it's the crowning cap on the climax! I have been
afraid