“‘Go back with the carriage,’ I said to the driver. He turned the heads of the horses, and obeyed in silence. “Madam had taken her seat in the stern of the boat. I pushed from shore into the current, and paddling rapidly to the middle of the foaming torrent, filled with drift-wood, threw the paddle overboard, and took my seat in the stern. “As I threw away the paddle, my resolution seemed to dawn for the first time upon my companion. She had become deadly pale, but said nothing. With folded arms, I looked and listened; we were nearing a narrow and rock-studded point in the river, where there was no hope. “The frail boat was going to be overturned there, or dashed to pieces without mercy. I knew the spot--knew that there was no hope. The torrent was roaring and driving the boat like a leaf toward the jagged and fatal rocks. “‘Then you are going to kill me and yourself at the same time!’ she said. “The woman was fearless. “‘Yes,’ I said, ‘it is the only way. I could not live dishonored--you dishonored me--I die--and die with you!’ “And I rose erect, baring my forehead to the lightning. “The point was reached. The boat swept on with the speed of a racehorse. A dazzling flash showed a dark object amid the foam, right ahead of us. The boat rushed toward it--the jagged teeth seemed grinning at us--the boat struck--and the next moment I felt the torrent sweep over me, roaring furious and sombre, like a wild beast that has caught its prey.” XXVI. AFTERWARD. “When I opened my eyes, the sun was shining in my face. “I was lying on a mass of drift-wood, caught by a ledge of rock, jutting out into the river. I had apparently been hurled there, by the force of the current, stunned and bruised; the sunshine had aroused me, bringing me back to that life which was a burden and a mockery. “And where was _she_? I shuddered as I asked myself that question. Had she been thrown from the boat? Had it been overturned? Was she drowned? I closed my eyes with a shudder which traversed my body, chilling my blood as with the cold hand of death. “For a moment I thought of throwing myself into the river, and thus ending all my woes. But I was too cowardly. “I turned toward the shore, groaning; dragged my bruised and aching limbs along the ledge of jagged rocks, through the masses of drift-wood; and finally reached the shore, where I sank down exhausted, and ready to die. “I will not lengthen out the gloomy picture. At last I rose, looked around, and with bent head and cowering frame, stole away through the woods toward Fonthill. On my way, I passed within two hundred yards of _the grave_--but I dared not go thither. He was dead, doubtless--and he had been slain in fair combat! It was another form that haunted me--the form of a woman--one who had dishonored me--attempted to poison me--a terrible being--but still a woman; and I had--murdered her!