“Daph,” he began, “there was horrible truth in your words that night, when you pleaded so earnestly on board the Martha Jane! I thank God that I did not turn a deaf ear to you then! Daph, you have saved your master’s children from a bloody death, and you will be rewarded, as there is a Father in Heaven!” The captain paused, and Daph bent anxiously forward, exclaiming, “My dear missus? master?” Captain Jones could not speak. He drew his hand significantly across his throat, and then pointed solemnly upwards. Daph understood his meaning but too well. She had hoped on, determinately; but now the hour of awful certainty had come, and she could not bear it. She gave one loud scream, and fell senseless on the floor. The wild yell that burst from the anguished heart of the negro, rang through the house, and Mrs. Ray and Mary were at the door in a moment, followed by the terrified children. Little Louise dropped down beside Daph, and began to cry piteously, while Charlie flew at Captain Jones like a young lion, and loudly exclaiming, “The naughty man has killed dear Daffy, and I’ll punish him.” While Mrs. Ray and her daughter were making every effort to recall poor Daph to consciousness, Charlie continued his attack upon the captain, with sturdy foot, clenched hand, and sharp teeth, until the honest sailor was actually obliged to protect himself, by putting the child forcibly from the room, and firmly locking the door. Perfectly infuriated, Charlie flew into the street, screaming, “They’ve killed my Daffy! The wicked! wicked man.” Several persons gathered round the enraged child, and a young physician, who was passing, stopped, to find out the cause of the disturbance. Charlie’s words, “She lies dead there! The wicked man has killed her,” caught the attention of Dr. Bates, and he eagerly asked, “Where, where, child?” Charlie pointed towards the house, and the doctor entered, without ceremony, Charlie closely following him. His loud knock was answered by Captain Jones, whose cautious manner of unlocking the door seemed, to the young physician, a most suspicious circumstance. Charlie no sooner caught sight of his enemy than he leaped furiously upon him. The strong sailor received him in his muscular arms, and there held him, a most unwilling prisoner, while he watched the proceedings going on about poor Daph, and rendered assistance where he could. Dr. Bates ordered her clothes to be instantly loosened, and then commanded Mrs. Ray to lay her flat on the floor, while he proceeded to apply his lancet to her arm. While this process was going on, the clock on a neighboring steeple struck twelve. Captain Jones looked hastily at his great silver watch, and saw that it was indeed midday, and he had not a moment to spare, as the Martha Jane was by this time quite ready to set sail, and only waiting for her captain.