y. He was glad that the affair had
terminated without the loss of life; glad that his conscience was not
burdened with the blood of a fellow-creature; glad, too, that he had
escaped unhurt. This last consideration was not a selfish one. He felt
that all the energy he possessed he should require in the restoration of
her he so tenderly loved.

His first step, on returning to the steamer, was to destroy the letters
he had written to meet the worst calamity which might befall him. Having
occasion to open his trunk, he discovered, to his surprise, that it was
unlocked. Further examination showed that he had been robbed of all his
earthly possessions. This was a severe blow. The money was the
accumulation of two years' service, and he was now penniless,--without
even a sufficient sum to pay his passage. He immediately informed the
captain of his loss, who gave him the comfortable assurance that the
robber had probably gone ashore at Natchez. However, he caused a
thorough search of the boat to be made; but, as may be supposed, the
search was vain.

Uncle Nathan sympathized with him in his loss,--not with words alone,
but voluntarily proposed to lend him any amount he required; an offer
which Henry accepted with gratitude.

"I see you are acquainted with that lady you saved from drowning," said
the worthy farmer, after he had passed the loan to Henry. The duel had
before been discussed and roundly condemned. The cause of the quarrel
had introduced the fact to which the farmer had alluded.

"I am. Her father was my best friend. I spent a few weeks with him a
short time before his death."

"O, ho!" thought Uncle Nathan, "I guess the black feller didn't know
that, or he would have given the papers to him;" and he resolved to
inform Hatchie of Henry's presence.

Descending, he soon discovered Pat Fegan, and, by his help, was enabled
to hold a conference with Hatchie, who, now that it was daylight, talked
through a crevice in his box.

Hatchie was anxious to know the result of the duel, which Uncle Nathan
imparted, to whom, in return, the mulatto related the means he had used
to foil the attorney's purpose, which was nothing less than murder. He
also disclosed the particulars of the second plot, which was to be put
in execution that night.

The information the faithful slave had gained in relation to the
character of Henry's efforts for his mistress made him quite willing to
have him admitted into the confidence of her se