My promise to a dying man is sacred. And as far as it is in my power, it shall be performed. I do not know what Cora’s feelings are. I have followed his advice for over twenty years, and shall not reject it now. If Cora is willing I shall make her my bride. Cora had approached them unperceived, and on hearing Drake’s last remark, tapped him under the chin and said: Then I shall be your bride. I do consent. I consented on the island, when you held me in your arms and thought I was another girl. I then thought that Walter had found a prize that belonged to another, and I asked you if you loved her, and you said “as a sister.” Now kiss me, and I will go and see my intended mother-in-law and Amy. She skipped away like a young fawn, leaving Walter and Drake to perfect their plans. I think, said Walter, that we had better consult the Captain. The Captain was then informed of the plan to remove Cahoonshee to his home. He approved of the same, and ordered them to take what men and material they wanted to accomplish their object. How long will you be gone? inquired the Captain. That is uncertain, and will depend on how long he lives, replied Drake. I shall not leave him until I have performed my promise. Just then Cora and Amy came rushing up, as happy as two kittens. Cora threw her arms around Mrs. Davis’s neck, looked into her eyes, and said: Mother, how do you like your new daughter-in-law? That is a good joke on you, said Lieutenant Powers. But, replied Cora, it is no joke. I was never more sincere in my life. I tell you my name is Mrs. Charles Davis, seizing the Captain by one hand and Drake by the other. Come father, why don’t you congratulate us? For what? For finding a son and losing him the same day and getting a daughter in his place. Do you think that you could love my son on so short an acquaintance? Oh, we met before we came on the ship. Where? On the island. Oh, if you had seen him hug and kiss me, you would have thought him a persistent lover and that he had studied the art to perfection. My children, all I know about this matter is what I have heard Cahoonshee say, and he had some reasons to believe that his wishes would be complied with. For my part, I am ready to believe anything. The events have rushed upon us so fast for the past forty eight hours, that I have lost my reckoning. But if you two intend to make fast to each other, leave the sea of single blessedness and sail upon the broad ocean of matrimony, you have my consent. But our first duty is to take care of Cahoonshee. The ship carpenter built a litter on which to carry Cahoonshee, and the arrangements were completed, when an unexpected difficulty arose. Amy wished to return with the party, and Cora said that she would not trust Drake to go through that wilderness unless she was along to protect him. Then the doctor appeared and informed them Rolla was sick and would probably die, but that Cahoonshee was stronger.