On reaching Henry Woodley's house, I learned that his sister had arrived by the Cherokee, and Nat Bradley along with her!
CHAPTER XI.
HOSTILE GUESTS.
Yes, Nat Bradley had landed from the boat along with her, and was there at the house, apparently a welcome guest!
It was with difficulty I could conceal my chagrin, despite the silliness of my showing it.
I succeeded, however, determined next day to take leave of a hospitality that had hitherto given me pleasure, but henceforth could only cause pain.
Bradley did not stay for the night. He had come ashore there, because there was no landing-place on his own plantation. He had been up to Vicksburg on business, and had availed himself of the steamboat to return.
These particulars I gathered from his conversation with my host. I regarded them as plausible excuses. No doubt he had been up to Vicksburg; but not upon business. He had gone there to meet Cornelia Woodley, and accompany her back in the boat. Nothing could be clearer.
He took his leave, borrowing a horse from my host, and promising to bring him back on the morrow. Before that time I too determined upon being gone.