The next day, Duffel visited the cave in company with Bill and Dick, whom he introduced into the captain’s room for the purpose already named.

“You have not forgotten our conversation yesterday, Eveline,” said he, “nor have I my promise.  In these gentlemen you have the witnesses of Hadley’s death, which, for your own good, I have taken this pains to establish beyond a doubt.  My friends will now speak for themselves.”

Bill at once addressed himself to her as follows: 

“It is with much pain, fair lady, that we are before you as witnesses of the sad occurrence referred to by Mr. Duffel; but as circumstances have placed us in this unpleasant situation, we crave your pardon most heartily, and the more so, if what we have to say should be a source of grief to you.  It so happened that my friend and myself were crossing the mountains, a short time since, and being somewhat belated, were urging our passage through a dark and gloomy valley, in some apprehension, when we suddenly came upon two villains, who had just slain a man, and were about to rob him.  We rushed to the spot before their work was completed, and they fled from the scene of murder in the greatest alarm.  We dismounted, and found that the individual was Mr. CHARLES HADLEY, with whom we had been acquainted some years before.  He was not yet quite dead, and spoke a few words about his mother and some other lady; but his articulation was so indistinct and his words so broken, we could not gather the import of what we supposed to be his dying messages to those of whom he spoke.  He expired in a few moments, and we then hastened to the nearest hamlet for assistance.  I would fain stop here, lady, for the rest of the recital is very shocking; but I have been requested to tell all, and must do so.  It was something over an hour before we, with some four or five others, who had accompanied us, returned, when, oh, horror! what were our feelings on beholding a pack of hungry wolves devouring the body of Mr. Hadley!  We lighted torches and drove them away, but nothing remained of the dead man but his bones!  God grant that I may never witness another such a sight!”

Eveline, who was much shocked at this story, lest it might be true, though she was by no means certain it was not made up for the occasion, appeared to be much more deeply affected than she really was, and made appear as though she was about to faint, seeing which, Duffel stepped up with the intention of supporting her.  She sprang from him, and, in great apparent agitation, seized Bill by the arm, and demanded of him if what he had said was the actual truth, and at the same time pressed the note in his hand, giving him an intelligent look.  He very dextrously transferred the little billet to his left vest pocket, as though he was simply laying his hand upon his heart to give greater solemnity to his reply, and said: 

“I assure you, madam, what I have told you is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and my friend will confirm the statement I have made.”