“Mine is thine and thine is mine.”
And here in the pale moonlight of a coming morn, we must leave the lovers, and turn our attention to other characters.
Cora had, in a sense, been left alone. The others held within their embrace the object of their affection, but she was alone and lonely. The object of her affection was sitting between his parents in the cabin, relating the adventures of the past, and planning for the future. The future of that man was all the world to her. With him the future would be heaven. Without him, misery. From her room she could hear distinctly the conversation that passed between them. At last she heard him say:
Now my dear parents, you must excuse me. Duty calls me to the side of my foster-father.
She heard the good-night said, and the parting kiss bestowed. She knew that Drake was going to see Cahoonshee. I will be there first, she thought; and started through a passage way that led to the doctor’s room. On opening the door, she found Cahoonshee quietly sleeping, and Tom and Jack watching by his side.
My good men, she said, I have come to relieve you. Let me watch by the side of the dying hero.
Tom and Jack departed, and Cora was left alone with the dying man. In a few moments he opened his eyes and said:
Amy, my child, extending his hand.
This is not Amy, she said. I am Cora Powers, the daughter of Admiral Powers.
Then, replied the old man, I must be near the Spirit Land. My eyes have failed me. Bend down, child, and let me place my hand on your neck.