rely confined to her heart, and Uncle
Nathan--unromantic bachelor as he was--could not but discern the deep
interest she felt in him.

The interview was concluded, and the worthy farmer left the gallery more
rejoiced than if he had himself been declared heir of Colonel Dumont's
millions; and he looked around, as excited as a school-boy on the first
day of vacation, to find Henry, and relate the good news.

CHAPTER XIII.

"Louder than the loud ocean, like a crash
Of echoing thunder." BYRON.

The day of the duel was a day of happiness to Emily Dumont. The
restraint which Jaspar's presence imposed was removed. Maxwell, from
prudence or some other motive, did not intrude upon her. Her heart was
rejoiced by the glad tidings which Uncle Nathan had conveyed to her.
Henry Carroll was permitted to enjoy her society. It was a day of bliss
to both; and, though a crowded steamer could ill afford the privacy
which new-born love ever seeks, yet opportunities of giving expression
to their feelings were not wanting. All day long they revelled in the
delightful emotions which warmed their hearts. Their intercourse was now
burdened by no painful reflections on the misery which had so lately
environed Emily. The means of her restoration to home and society were
at hand. The only difficulty now was to discover the best method of
establishing her rights. Against Jaspar and Maxwell they cherished no
ill-will,--they had no desire to punish them for their wicked designs.

Uncle Nathan, too, was in the "full enjoyment of his mind." The relief
he had "providentially" been able to afford to Emily's mind was the
medium of an abundant satisfaction. As the darkness began to gather, he
found an opportunity of conversing with Henry, whose entire devotion to
Emily during the day had rendered him a stranger in the gentlemen's
cabin. The plot which Hatchie had revealed to him had caused him but
little anxiety. Maxwell's wounded arm, he concluded, would delay its
execution. But he gave the particulars to Henry, who was not at all
satisfied that it would not be undertaken.

"We must watch to-night," said he.

"Sartain, we'll keep a good look-out; but the scamp can't do anything
while he is wounded."

"But he had confederates."

"Perhaps he has. But here is another friend," said Uncle Nathan, as he
perceived Pat Fegan, who had for some time been watching an opportunity
to speak to him.

"Sure, the naiger would like to spake w