I do not think now that I made any mistake in not remaining in Albany, for it was the easiest thing in the world for him to trace me out, and find the boarding-house where I had spent the night. If I had left the cars at the last station before the train reached Albany, I might have avoided him. It seemed to me that my only way was to continue the journey, and I did so. If I had been alone it would have been an easy matter to evade him.
Tom Thornton rushed on board of the steamer just in season to secure his passage, for the plank was hauled on board the moment he had crossed it. I was on the hurricane deck when I saw him, and he saw me. Perhaps there was a chance for me yet to outflank him. It was a bad scrape, but all I could do was to make the best of it. I left my position when I saw Tom coming on board, and went to Kate, whom I had requested to remain in the saloon. I sat down by her side, and tried to look as unmoved as I could.
"Don't be frightened, Kate," I began.
"Frightened! Of course I am not frightened now," she replied, fixing the gaze of her deep eyes upon me.
"But you musn't be when I tell you something."
"What, Ernest Thornton?" demanded she, taking the alarm at once.
"Tom Thornton is on board of this steamer. Don't be alarmed; I will take care of you. He shall not harm you, and he shall not take you away from me."
"O mercy!" exclaimed she, turning as white as a sheet.
"Don't be disturbed, Kate. I think I can take care of him," I added, with more confidence than I felt.
"What shall we do?"