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"Still further proof of it," continued D'Hauteville. "There was a man on the boat you did not notice him, perhaps an agent for Gayarre in such matters. A negro-trader a fit tool for such a purpose. No doubt his object in coming down to the city is to be present at the sale to bid for the poor girl."
I looked up, and beheld the hated face of Monsieur Dominique Gayarre. It was his first visit since the morning after my arrival upon the plantation. What could he want with me? I was not kept long in suspense, for my visitor, without even apologising for his intrusion, opened his business abruptly and at once.
He had ample time and opportunity. He need not at once proceed to extremes. He could wait until his valour, somewhat cowed, should return again, and imbue him with a fresh impulse. The disappearance of Gayarre gave us an opportunity to make our presence known to Aurore. I was about to climb up to the verandah and tap on the glass; but my companion prevented me from doing so.
"Now, gentlemen!" said he, speaking in a firm, magisterial tone, "I am ready to hear the charge against this young man. Of what is he accused, Colonel Hickman?" inquired the justice, turning to the sheriff. "Of negro-stealing, I believe," replied the latter. "Who prefers the charge?" "Dominique Gayarre," replied a voice from the crowd, which I recognised as that of Gayarre himself.
Aurore remained upon the ground; while D'Hauteville and I, taking different directions set out after the horses. D'Hauteville went farther into the woods, while I took the opposite route. I soon arrived at the zigzag fence bounding the fields of Gayarre; for we were still upon the very borders of his plantation.
Had the circumstances been different had the "two niggers" I had stolen belonged to a popular planter, and not to Monsieur Dominique Gayarre had Ruffin been a respectable citizen, instead of the dissipated half outlaw that he was had there not been a suspicion in the minds of many present that it was not a case of ordinary nigger-stealing, then indeed might it have gone ill with me, in spite of the sheriff and his party.
Monsieur Dominique Gayarre would never suspect a passion like mine would never dream of such a purpose as the one to which that passion now impelled me. An enterprise so romantic was not within the bounds of probability. Therefore so reasoned D'Hauteville and I it was not likely Aurore would be either guarded or watched. But even though she might not be, how were we to communicate with her?
Gayarre, who, under a commission from the State of Louisiana, is examining the colonial records at Madrid, has discovered the evidence of an attempt made to introduce the Inquisition into New Orleans even after our people had begun to settle there.
My mind was too full of anxiety about the approaching interview to be impressed with minor cares. Of course Eugenie would have heard all about the affair of yesterday. What would be her feelings in relation to it? I felt certain that this ruffian was forced upon, her by Gayarre. She would have no sympathy with him.
The promise of my removal in a day or two appeared to satisfy the weasel Gayarre, or rather he became satisfied that such was the only course that could be taken with me, and the consultation ended. Gayarre now approached the bed to take leave, and I could trace that ironical expression playing in the pupils of his little eyes as he pronounced some pretended phrases of consolation.
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