ONE morning Marie came to me, she was radiant with happiness, and upon
her gentle face was a sweeter expression than even the joys of pure love
could produce, for written upon it was the knowledge of a good deed.
“Listen,” said she. “In three days we shall be married. We shall
soon——”
I interrupted her.
“Do not say _soon_, Marie, when there is yet an interval of three days.”
She blushed and smiled.
“Do not be foolish, Leopold,” replied she. “An idea has struck me which
has made me very happy. You know that yesterday I went to town with my
father to buy all sort’s of things for our wedding. I only care for
jewels because you say that they become me. I would give all my pearls
for a single flower from the bouquet which that odious man with the
marigolds destroyed. But that is not what I meant to say. My father
wished to buy me everything that I admired, and amongst other things
there was a _basquina_ of Chinese satin embroidered with flowers, which
I admired. It was very expensive. My father noticed that the dress had
attracted my attention. As we were returning home, I begged him to
promise me a boon after the manner of the knights of old—you know how
he delights to be compared to them. He vowed on his honour that he would
grant me whatever I asked, thinking of course that it was the _basquina_
of Chinese satin; but no, it is Pierrot’s pardon that I will ask for as
my nuptial present.”
I could not refrain from embracing her tenderly. My uncle’s word was
sacred, and whilst Marie ran to him to claim its fulfilment, I hastened
to Fort Galifet to convey the glad news to Pierrot.
“Brother,” exclaimed I, as I entered, “Rejoice, your life is safe; Marie
has obtained it as a wedding present from her father.”
The slave shuddered.
“Marie—wedding—my life! What reference have these things to each
other?”
“It is very simple,” answered I. “Marie, whose life you saved, is to be
married——.”
“To whom?” exclaimed the negro, a terrible change coming over his face.
“Did you not know that she was to be married to me?”
His features relaxed.
“Ah, yes,” he replied; “and when is the marriage to take place?”
“On August the 22nd.”
“On August the 22nd! Are you mad?” cried he, with terror painted in his
countenance.
He stopped abruptly; I looked at him with astonishment. After a short
pause he clasped my hand—
“Brother,” said he, “I owe you so much that I must give you a warning.
Trust to me, take up your residence in Cap, and get married before the
22nd.”
In vain I entreated him to explain his mysterious wards.
“Farewell,” said he, in solemn tones; “I have perhaps said too much, but
I hate ingratitude even more than perjury.”
I left the prison a prey to feelings of great uneasiness; but all these
were soon effaced by the thoughts of my approaching happiness.
That very day my uncle withdrew his charge, and I returned to the Fort
to release Pierrot. Thaddeus, on hearing the noise, accompanied me to
the prisoner’s cell, but he was gone! Rask alone remained, and came up
to me wagging his tail. To his neck was fastened a palm-leaf, upon which
were written these words: “Thanks; for the third time you have saved my
life. Do not forget your promise, friend;” whilst underneath, in lieu of
signature, were the words: “Yo que soy contrabandista.”
Thaddeus was even more astonished than I was, for he was ignorant of the
enlargement of the loophole, and firmly believed that the negro had
changed himself into a dog. I allowed him to remain in this belief,
contenting myself with making him promise to say nothing of what he had
seen. I wished to take Rask home with me, but on leaving the Fort he
plunged into a thicket and disappeared.