‘We must give the alarm at once,’ said Captain Norris. ‘They may not be prepared for this outbreak. But Lizzie, I will not go and leave you here! If you wish your friends to be put on their guard, you must come with me.’
‘It is too late,’ she answered: ‘they are already upon us! We should only walk into their midst. Listen to that—’
She held up her finger, and Captain Norris could distinctly hear the yelling of a mob of coolies advancing on the plantation, and see the flaming torches which they carried in their hands, whilst in another moment two or three random shots proved that they were carrying firearms, and prepared to use them.’
‘The devils!’ cried Norris. ‘Is it possible they can have the heart to injure you, after all you have done for them?’
‘No, no, massa!’ exclaimed the yellow girl; ‘coolies never hurting Missy Liz; they love her too much for dat. Only dey want revenge on Massa Courtney and de Governor and Missy Quita. Missy Liz, dey will fire de White House for sure, and kill de Governor! Hark! they hab passed oder side of plantation. Dey go by Oleander Bungalow to de big house, and nebber come near Missy Liz at all.’
‘They have come near enough, in killing my poor baby!’ exclaimed Lizzie, weeping, as she kissed the dead child. ‘If they love me, why couldn’t they have spared her?’
‘’Cause she belong to dat De Courcelles, and grow up bad like him and Missy Quita. Dat what dem trashy niggers say,’ replied Rosa, joining her sobs to those of her mistress.
‘Is it possible this child belongs to Lady Johnstone?’ demanded Norris.
‘Oh, hush, Hugh! don’t mention it, even here!’ said Lizzie. ‘I have kept the secret for her sake—not his!’
‘Oh, my brave girl, your love has indeed earned the martyr’s crown!’ he answered, looking at her with the deepest admiration and respect. ‘But hark, Lizzie! Surely the mob have turned this way.’