Vernon was on the point of risking the noise, and taking to the oars, when he discovered an overhanging branch, which he seized as the boat passed under it.  Fortunately for him, a bend in the stream turned the current from the middle of the creek, or its violence would have drawn him into the water.  By the aid of his companions, he succeeded in making the boat fast to the branch.  He listened; but all was still.  There were no indications of the approach of the other party.

Seating himself in the stern-sheets of the boat, he again considered the operations in which he was soon to engage; but, as these were necessarily to be directed by the circumstances of the moment, his deliberations soon gave way to that impatience which the perpetrator of crime experiences at an unexpected delay.  His eager spirit was, however, soon gratified by sounds of conflict, which proceeded from the part of the island where Maxwell had landed.  Awhile he listened, and the sounds grew more and more distinct.  Loosing the boat from its aerial moorings, it was again driven by the current towards the landing in front of the cottage.  Preparations were now made to effect the grand object, and, landing by the side of the doctor’s yacht, Vernon found no one to oppose his progress, though the sounds from the lower extremity of the island indicated that the affray was growing hotter and more violent.  At the head of his party, Vernon was about to enter the house, when the approach of a body of men from the scene of action caused him to pause, and await their approach.

Maxwell had landed on the beach, and, not suspecting the proximity of the ambush which waited to receive him, had proceeded towards the avenue made at his first visit to the island.  Removing the loose bushes, they attempted to pass through; but no sooner were they fairly involved among the young trees than Jerry Swinger shouted his first order, to light the torches, and, in an instant, the woods were illuminated, and the position of both parties disclosed.  This was, undoubtedly, a masterly stroke of preparation on the part of Jerry.  The torches, on the application of the match, emitted a broad sheet of flame, which glared upon the invaders like a sudden flash of lightning, and utterly confounded them.  It seemed like the bolt of Omnipotence thrown across their path in the hour of their great transgression.

Maxwell was unprepared for an immediate attack.  He had calculated on effecting a junction with Vernon in the vicinity of the cottage.  Before his party had time to recover from the panic, they were surrounded by the resolute woodmen.  The attorney, who was as brave and active as he was unprincipled and cunning, was not a man to be defeated without a stout resistance.  Encouraging his party by shouts, and by his own example, a general engagement ensued.

Hatchie no sooner saw the foe of his mistress’ peace, than, stepping between him and Jerry Swinger, who also had an account to settle with him, he knocked down the pistol which was levelled at his head, and grasped him by the throat.  In the hands of Hatchie the attorney was as nothing.  The stalwart mulatto cast him upon the ground, and, with his cord, bound him hand and foot.  The leader vanquished, it was the work of but a few moments to secure the rest of the assailants.