The schooner was already at the wharf and waiting for him. Thurston met
many of his friends in the village, and in an off-hand manner explained
to them the ostensible cause of his journey. And thus, in open daylight,
gayly chatting with his friends, Thurston superintended the embarkation
of his baggage. And it was not until one by one they had shaken hands
with him, wished him a good voyage and departed, that Thurston found
himself alone with the captain in the cabin.
"Now you know, Miles, that I have not come on board to remain. When the
coast is clear I shall go on shore, get in the carriage, and return to
Dell-Delight. I must meet my wife on the beach. I must remain with her
through all. I must take her on board. You will be off Pine Bluff just
at dusk, captain?"
"Ay, ay, sir."
"You will not be a moment behind hand?"
"Trust me for that, Cap'n."
"See if the people have left."
The skipper went on deck and returned to report the coast clear.
Thurston then went on shore, entered the carriage, and was driven
homeward.
It was nearly four o'clock when he reached Dell-Delight, and there he
found the whole premises in a state of confusion. Several negroes were
on the lookout for him; and as soon as they saw him ran to the house.
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