more, I would not have let you go on, if I knew there were fellows about this night with guns on the look out. He did not dare to speak plainly what he knew, but he gave you a broad hint, and his best advice, and I admire and respect him for it."
"You and Rebow are cousins?"
"His father's sister is my mother. The land and money all went to Elijah's father, who is now dead, and is now in Elijah's hands. My mother got nothing. The family were angry with her for marrying off the land on to the water. But you see at Red Hall she had lived, so to speak, half in and half out of the sea; she took to one element as readily as to the other."
"I can trace little resemblance in your features, but something in your voice."
"Now, Glory!" said the young man, "here is the boat. How fast the tide ebbs here! She is already dry, and we must shove her down over the grass and mud till she floats. You step in; I will run her along."
The wind had risen, and was wailing over the marshes, sighing among the harsh herbage, the sea-lavender, sovereign wood, and wild asparagus. Not a cloud was visible. The sky was absolutely unblurred and thick besprint with stars. Jupiter burned in the south, and cast a streak of silver over the ebbing waters.
The young people stood silent by each other for a moment, and their hearts beat fast. Other matters had broken in on and troubled the pleasant current of their love; but now the thought of these was swept aside, and their hearts rose and stretched towards each other. They had known each other for many years, and the friendship of childhood had insensibly ripened in their hearts to love.
"I have not properly thanked you, George, for the promise of help in our trouble."
"Nor I, Mehalah, for the medal you have given me."
"Promise me, George, to wear it ever. It saved your life to-night, I doubt not."
"What! Does it save from death?"
"From sudden death," answered Mehalah. I told you so before, in the boat."
"I forgot about it. Glory."
