The event was upon him and he must add to his former actions that of
a complete and determined opposition to the risk proposed or possibly
forfeit his peace of mind forever. Quickening his pace, he reached Hazen
and the lawyer just as the men awaiting them had advanced on their side.
Instantly he knew it was too late. There was neither time nor opportunity
for any weak protests on his part now. Older men were speaking; men who
knew the river, the danger, and the man, but even they said nothing to
him in way of dissuasion. They only pointed out what especial points of
suction were to be avoided, and showed him the chain they had brought for
his waist and how he was to pull upon it the very instant he felt his
senses or his strength leaving him.
He answered as a courageous man might, and making ready by taking off his
coat and shoes he gave himself into their hands for the proper fastening
on of the chain. Then, while the murmur of expectation rose from the
crowd on the river bank, he stepped back to Mr. Ransom and whispered
hurriedly in his ear:
"You have a good heart, a better heart than I ever gave you credit for.
Promise that in case I never come out of those waters alive, that you
will put no obstacle in the way of Mr. Auchincloss inheriting his fortune
in good time. He's a man worthy of all the assistance which money can
bring.
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