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He will be ashamed of himself, I know, when he gets well, and it will be lucky for us that we are out of his reach." "He would keep his word, Dan; you know that," said Lily, whose looks seemed to contain a mild rebuke of the sentiment just uttered. "He would; at least, he wouldn't wish to break his word; but he will want me as soon as he gets to be Colonel Raybone again."
Some other articles were placed in a convenient position on shore, that they might be taken on board in the night. At sunset, Colonel Raybone went off to the Isabel, and carefully examined every part of her, to satisfy himself that there had been no omissions in her outfit. "You have done very well, Dandy," said the planter, when he had completed his inspection.
A short distance from the splendid mansion of the princely planter was a large village of negro huts, where the "people" of the estate resided. As Colonel Raybone was a liberal and progressive man, the houses of the negroes were far superior to those found upon many of the plantations of the South.
"Perhaps I can destroy as much valuable property as you can," said Dan, as he took his fowling piece again. "You must come with me. I know that nigger in the boat with you, and I reckon you belong to Colonel Raybone." "I, you villain! How dare you insult me? I am a free white man." "Perhaps you be, but you've been advertised enough to let any man in these yere parts know you.
By this time Cyd returned with the bird which the sportsman had killed, and Dan announced the appalling fact that Colonel Raybone was on board of the steamer, and had recognized him and the boat. "Possifus!" exclaimed Cyd, leaping upon the deck of the Isabel. "Wha wha what we gwine to do?" "Take this gun, and do as I do," replied Dan, as he went into the cabin after the rifle.
There was only a small number of passengers on board of the steamer, and the resolute captain of the Isabel hoped that a few shots would intimidate them, and prevent Colonel Raybone from rushing upon certain death. But the planter of Redlawn was as resolute as his runaway chattel, and a battery of artillery would not have deprived him of the satisfaction of pouncing upon the fugitives.
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.
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.
"How many hams have you put on board?" "Six, sir," replied Dandy. "We may be absent five or six weeks; you may put in six more," added Colonel Raybone. "Yes, sir." He also ordered an additional supply of smoked beef and tongues, which, of course, the caterer was glad to convey on board.
He looked sad and terrified, and before any of the crew had spoken a word, Dandy was fully assured that a storm was brewing. "Massa Raybone done send us down to fotch you up," said Cyd, gloomily. "What's the matter, Cyd?" demanded Dandy, trying to be cheerful in the face of these portending clouds of darkness.
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