This had been the object of the attack--to gain possession of her.

Very evidently I had not been seen, at least not closely enough to be recognized by Kirby.

In a measure this afforded me a decided advantage, provided we ever encountered each other again--and I meant that we should.

The account between us was not closed by this incident; far from it.

There in that black water, struggling to keep afloat, while being swept resistlessly out into the river, with no immediate object before me except to remain concealed by the veil of darkness, I resolved solemnly to myself that this affair should never end, until it was ended right.