"Yes, I suppose so," I answered, not elated as I should have been over my escape, so great was my sorrow for those who were lost.
"What was the matter? Were you racing?"
"Well, there was a boat alongside of us."
"That's it," he answered, his temper rising, as men's will sometimes after a great shock; "our river men will never learn anything, and now this new accident!"
"Yes, sir; but it couldn't be helped. No one was to blame."
"No, of course not. It was Providence," he answered. "That is where we lay the blame for all the foolish things we do. What a spinal column Providence must have," he went on, "to carry so great a burden! But while we are talking, the current is taking us to the gulf"; and starting up, he soon reached my boat, and fastening it to the one he was in, put forth all his strength, and so brought us quickly to the landing a few steps from his home.
CHAPTER XLV
TELLING THE NEWS
Mrs. Hayward was greatly surprised at my coming, and more so at the terrible accident that had befallen the War Eagle. Hastening, I begged a horse of Mr. Hayward, that I might reach Appletop before news could come to Constance. While standing at the door of the cabin waiting, I told them of the mishap and my escape, at all of which they wondered. When I was ready to mount, Mr. Hayward asked me what I intended to do after seeing my friends.
"Bring your horse back and thank you for your kindness," I answered, not attaching any other meaning to what he said.