Fortunately there were fish in the river, and having found rod, line, and a hook or two on the raft, she was able occasionally to catch one. So she managed to keep soul and body together, yet not very much more than that.
It was a dreadful life she led—a life filled with terror, remorse, and despair. Afraid to be seen by mortal eye, she crouched in her dark, damp, unwholesome den through the long, bright summer days, shut away from all the beauty and fragrance that gladdened the hearts and lives of those whom sin and crime did not compel to hide from the light of the sun, and away from the companionship of their kind.
Oh, how wearily the days and nights dragged along! Life under such conditions seemed little worth, yet death a thing to shrink from in wild affright.
She saw no one and knew nothing of passing events. She supposed her husband was still living, and wondered if, when he should be able to be about again, he would make an effort to find her, and have her brought to trial for the crime of which he had accused her.
She thought much of Phelim, and longed to see and talk with him; but it did not seem likely they would ever meet again; if convicted, he would doubtless be given a long term in the penitentiary; perhaps it would be a life sentence. She was glad it could be nothing worse; hanging was, to her way of thinking, far more to be dreaded.
She would have gone to Prairieville and to the jail, seeking an interview with him, could she have done so with safety to herself; but she dared not, lest she should be made to share his imprisonment, both there and in the State prison.
One day—the same on which Captain Charlton carried to Miriam the news that Himes had made a will in her favor—Belinda, lying asleep in her cave, was awakened by the sound of voices at the foot of the bank. She started with affright, a cold perspiration bursting out all over her, and her heart beating wildly. She thought they were climbing up to her retreat; perhaps had dogged her steps as she returned to it some hours before, and had come to arrest her.
But after listening intently for a few minutes, she decided that they were stationary; probably seated near the water’s edge and engaged in fishing, which was indeed the case.
Then she lay down again with her ear close to the overhanging vines, that she might catch every word of their talk.
They were speaking of Mr. Himes, and as she listened with breathless interest, she presently learned of the second and successful attempt upon his life. She drew a breath of relief, as she remembered that he would have been the principal witness against Phelim.