Frederick now turned the discourse to the occurrence of the preceding night; and proposed going on shore, to learn, if possible, who were the assailants, as he could not from their conduct think them robbers. The Captain consented; when Harland, who burned with impatience to revenge his quarrel with young Ferrand, asked permission to accompany him; which having obtained, he hastily took his pistols, and, with Frederick, was conveyed to shore.
The soldiers who the night before, on the report of the pistol, hastened to the spot where the Captain had been assaulted, found the wounded man, and conveyed him to the fort; he was there discovered to be one of the Governor's attendants: and, on being questioned, declared he had been attacked by several men, against whom he defended himself, till one of them shot him; that, as soon as he fell, the ruffians fled, imagining, he supposed, that they had effectually executed their purpose, and he was soon after found by the soldiers.
The Governor was accordingly informed of the circumstance, and ordered an immediate search to be made after the supposed assassins. At this juncture, the companions of the wounded, who were likewise in the service of the Governor, returned, and endeavoured to get unperceived to their apartment; but the blood with which one of them was plenteously bedewed, betrayed them to their fellows: they were seized, confined, and, as soon as the Governor rose in the morning, conveyed into his presence. At first they refused to answer to the charge against them; till the Governor threatened to have them instantly punished for their cruelty; when they vehemently protested their innocence; but, on being further urged, confessed they had been instigated by a considerable gratuity from young Ferrand, to undertake the assassination of Lieutenant Harland; in the attempt of which their companion had been wounded.
This, the wounded man was at last likewise induced to acknowledge; and, with great apparent contrition, implored the clemency of the Governor. That gentleman, justly incensed at this proceeding of his nephew, ordered him to be immediately called; and committed the men to strict confinement, till he should learn whether or not they had perpetrated their design.
At this instant Frederick and Harland arrived; on beholding the latter, young Ferrand turned pale; and the Governor, with some surprise, demanded an explanation of Frederick, of what he knew concerning the affair. Frederick gave an account of the assault, and concluded with the assurance, that his uncle, whom the men had mistaken for Harland, was not in the least danger. The Governor expressed his satisfaction at the latter intelligence, so much more favourable than he had expected: but, as he could not readily pardon the violent measures his nephew had pursued, he commanded him immediately to retire to his country seat: and, to prevent his having an opportunity of meeting Harland, ordered the Lieutenant instantly to return and remain on board.
Inconceivable was the rage of Harland and Ferrand at this restriction: but they were obliged to obey; each secretly tormented with the idea, that his rival would find opportunities of seeing Louise, and gaining her affections. The keen eye of jealousy had soon told Ferrand Louise preferred Harland to himself; wounded pride and indignation now led to the desire of revenge; and before he reached the abode, appointed by his uncle, he resolved to carry her off; by which means he should effectually punish her disregard for himself, and triumph over his rival. He had trusty slaves, and a retreat well calculated to secrete his prize from the knowledge of her friends and his uncle, who might otherwise severely resent his committing this second outrage.
Whilst Ferrand was settling his plan of procedure, Harland returned on board; one moment glowing with rage to chastise the East-Indian; the next, nearly frantic, lest his rank, and the interest of his uncle, should ultimately gain him the hand of Louise. The being debarred from seeing her, likewise added to the tumult of his mind; which the presence of Sir Henry, or the commendations bestowed on him by others, did not tend to alleviate.
Often in secret had he sighed for that cordiality and esteem Sir Henry experienced, instead of the cold respect with which himself was treated: but pride would not let him deviate from the conduct he had hitherto pursued; and, at the moment he regretted its influence, it hurried him into greater excesses.
In a few days the Captain, being perfectly recovered, sent an invitation to the Governor, and the principal part of the company he had met at that gentleman's, to pass the ensuing day on board the Argo: at the time appointed, the impatient Harland anxiously watched the approaching boats, and with joy perceived the lovely Louise seated by the Marchioness.
On beholding the fair European, the gaiety Sir Henry had assumed, suddenly deserted him; in vain he endeavoured to withdraw his eyes and attention from the fascinating maid; emotions but too perceptible agitated him, and the consciousness of betraying his feelings, increased them to the most painful degree.