However, it was with a glad heart that I perceived my folly, and stealthily withdrew from those men whom a few minutes earlier I was like to have fallen among, and turned to follow the course of the torrent to the level above.
I made short work of this business when I was fairly out of sight of the seamen, and before long I again heard that sweet voice calling, "Benet, Benet!" upon which, casting my eyes eagerly about, I descried my dear Lady Biddy in a little natural cavern formed by two leaning rocks. She clasped her hands, and her face beamed with joy to see me again; but if she was pleased—lord! what was I? Then we sat down together and narrated our experiences, I blaming myself hugely for my headstrong conduct; yet still she smiled.
"Won't you be angry with me, Lady Biddy, for my rashness?" says I.
"Nay," says she; "you may blame yourself, but I cannot; for was it not to save me you encountered this danger? Since it has ended thus, I can but be pleased with this proof of your devotion. Yet, when I call again, I would not have you run away."
Then we were silent awhile; I know not why, except that I was too happy to speak.
But presently, reflecting on the dangers we had escaped, and considering how we might yet be encompassed by those who had given us chase on the sands—for, if one parcel of wretches came hither by accident, why might not the rest?—it came into my head that if we could descend and possess ourselves of the empty boat while the men were yet sleeping, we might come to the other side of the river, and so secure ourselves from pursuit. This scheme did so recommend itself to me that I at once propounded it to Lady Biddy.
"Have you not run enough risk, Benet?" she asked, a little frightened by the audacity of my design.
"Ay," says I; "and 'tis for that very reason I would put that broad river betwixt us and the recurrence of such risks."
"As you will," says she, with spirit. "If it ought to be done, you shall not find me wanting in courage."
I gave her my reasons for thinking it should be attempted, and she was the first to rise, saying, as she did so: