“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 wid yous,” said Pat, in a whisper.

“What’s the matter, Pat?” asked Henry.

“Nothin’, your honor,” replied Pat, promptly; “I was only tellin’ this gintleman that a poor divil was dhrunk on the lower deck, and he’d betther go and praych timperance to him.”

“No, no, Partrick, that’s too bad,” interrupted Uncle Nathan, reprovingly; “I must teach you to tell the truth.”

Pat opened his eyes with astonishment when he heard Uncle Nathan explain to Henry the part he had borne in the drama, and was about to utter in plain Irish his opinion of a man who would thus betray a confidence, when Henry explained that he was an old friend of Hatchie and the lady.

“Long life to your honor, if that be true!” exclaimed Pat; “and you won’t blow on the naiger?”

“I have too strong an interest in him to do anything to his injury,” replied Henry.  “But show me the way to him, Pat.”

“One at a time, if yous plaze,” said Pat, as he perceived Uncle Nathan about to follow them.

Pat led the way to the after part of the lower deck, to which Hatchie had ascended, as on the night of the rescue, to inhale the fresh air.  This step was a safe one in the night, as, if any one approached (which was seldom), he could easily and speedily regain his hiding-place.

“Hould aisy,” said Pat, as they approached the fugitive; “don’t be afraid,—­I have brought yous a frind.”

“I hope you will not bring me too many friends,” replied Hatchie, a little disconcerted.

“Don’t you know me?” said Henry, as he grasped the hand of Hatchie; “I have just come from your mistress, and know your whole story.”

“Not all,” replied Hatchie; “you cannot know how much anxiety I have endured.  Miss Emily is not yet safe.”

“But we can easily foil the villain’s future designs.”

“We will, at least, endeavor to do so.”

“I believe I have seen you before; we were companions in the rescue.”

“We were, and God bless you for the noble service you rendered my mistress!”

“That service was all your own, my gallant fellow.”

“You undervalue your own efforts.  He who gets into the Mississippi seldom gets out alive.  Without your timely assistance, I tremble to think of what might have been the end.  My experience of the river enabled me to bring her up; but without your aid at the moment it came I do not think I could have saved her.  But this is all past.  Thank God, she is yet safe, though another danger hovers over her.”