“Be calm, John. If you have killed the fellow, the chances are that Kate will be set at liberty, as no excuse could offer for her retention in Charleston.”
“Unfortunately I am not sure that the villain is dead, or even mortally wounded. I fired in a hurry, and so great was my agitation I much fear I have missed mortally wounding him.”
“But, what can we do? If Catherine has been carried to Charleston, we can do but little to effect her rescue. It would be almost certain death to risk ourselves within the limits of the city.”
“And yet it must be done,” said Vale in a firm tone.
“Yes! you are right. One of us must enter Charleston; and though the risk is terrible, it may be that we can enter unobserved. After once being fairly housed, there will be but little danger of arrest.”
“One thing, Ernshaw, I have not yet mentioned; I believe that Turner had a hand in this deed. It is only another sin added to his long list of sins, and the first time we or any other true patriot chances to meet him, unless he can purchase his life by revealing some secret which may be of importance to us, he should be strung up without judge or jury.”
“You are right. The villain has always hated me, and since Kate’s refusal of him he has been heard to vow vengeance even against her:—so she has informed me.”
“I am only afraid that your conjecture is but too true. Should I meet him, the wretch shall receive the reward due him for his misdeeds. But about the expedition into Charleston? Would it not be better for both of us to go? In any kind of adventure two are better than one, and you may wish for my assistance should you set out alone.”
“Impossible. One of us must remain with the men. Besides, if we go together the chances are, should either be captured, the other would share the same fate.”
“And what would be more agreeable, John, for us, who as friends, have always lived together, to die together?”