"It occurred in an affray with one of the natives; I came near losing my life."
"A narrow escape, I should say."
"It was. But I had the satisfaction of shooting the bloody rascal through the heart." And a grin of savage pleasure showed the man's white teeth gleaming below the jetty moustache.—"Well, you see I am here," he added, "boldly venturing on dangerous ground."
"So I see. And for what? You say that I can serve you again; and I am in New Orleans to do your bidding."
"You can serve me, David," was answered, with some force of expression. "In fact, among the large number of men with whom I have had intercourse, you are the only one who has always been true to me, and" (with a strongly-uttered oath) "I will never fail you, in any extremity."
"I hope never to put your friendship to any perilous test," replied the other, smiling. "But say on."
"I can't give that girl up. Plague on her bewitching face! it has wrought upon me a kind of enchantment. I see it ever before me as a thing of beauty. David! she must be mine at any sacrifice!"
"Who? Markland's pretty daughter?"
"Yes."
"Better start some other game," was bluntly answered. "Your former attempt to run this down came near ruining every thing."