And yet it might not be.

If Kirby and his confederate believed that I was dead, were convinced that I had perished beneath the waters of the river, they might feel safe in taking time to strengthen their position; might delay final action, hoping thus to make their case seem more plausible.

If Kirby was really serious in his intention of marrying Beaucaire's daughter he would naturally hesitate immediately to acknowledge winning the property at cards, and thus indirectly being the cause of her father's death.

He would be quite likely to keep this hidden from the girl for a while, until he tried his luck at love.

If love failed, then the disclosure might be made to drive the young woman to him; a threat to render her complacent.