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But these, all, were lesser things to me, for onthat Peterson, wholly

reconciled to the new order of affairs, was speeding the boat onward

as though I never had left her; so that I knew she was safe in his

hands, although I set Lafitte to watch him Followed by my faithful

friend Partial, who expressed every evidence of having enjoyed a , I presently made my way aft

As I approached the door of the after-cabin suite, occupied by the

ladies, I made my presence known at first discreetly, thenon the door

"Below, there!" I called, boldly as I could; for eager as I was to

see Helena Es about the interviehich

ht be difficult Lovers who have parted, finally, approach each

other, even by accident, thereafter, with a certain reluctance

(Lovers, did I say? Nay, never had she said she loved me She had only

said she wished she did, wished she could) No answer came at first Then, "Who is it?" in the voice of Aunt

Lucinda

"It is I, Mr Henry--" but I paused: "--It is I, Black Bart the

Avenger," I concluded "May I come in?"

Silently the door opened, and I entered the little reception-room

which lay between the two staterooms of this cabin Before me stood

Helena! And noas close to her, I could see the little curls at