He reached the high bank without attracting the attention of the party of whose motions he wished to obtain a knowledge. He could now distinctly hear their conversation, though they were still at a considerable distance from him. Cautiously he climbed a thick cotton-wood tree, whose foliage completely screened him from observation, and there awaited the nearer approach of Maxwell and his confederate.
"Are you sure this is the island?" said Maxwell, when they had come within hearing of Hatchie.
"This must be the one," replied Vernon. "We shall soon see whether it is inhabited or not."
"With whom did the girl leave the wood-yard?"
"With a doctor who lives like a hermit on this island. I saw them from a distance get into the sail-boat, and I asked a boatman for the particulars."
"Who is the doctor?"
"Don't know. The boatman said it was an outlandish name, and he had forgotten it. You mean to have the girl, do you?"
"I do, if possible."
"O, it's quite possible—nothing easier. You say the girl belongs to you?"
"I do; did I not show you the bill of sale?"