The Buccaneer - A Tale

"Or a revenue cutter, I presume," observed the Baronet, sarcastically.

"Curse me if I do!" replied Dalton, contemptuously--"the sharks! No, no,

I'm not come to that yet; nor would I ever think of hoisting any flag

but mine own, were it not for the sake of a small craft, as belonging

to--no matter what."

"You have seen but little of the girl."

"Too little: and why? Because I was ashamed to see her--but now--not

ten minutes ago--I was glad she did not know me. Sir Robert, when your

own daughter hangs upon your arm, or looks with her innocent eyes into

your face, how do you feel?"

Sir Robert Cecil had been too well schooled in Puritanism to suffer the

emotions of his mind to affect his features. He did not reply to the

question, but skilfully turning the conversation, brought the intruder

back to his old subject.

"How do you purpose procuring this free pardon?"

"I! I know not how to procure it; I only wish it procured: the means are

in your power, not mine."

"In mine!" ejaculated the Baronet with well-feigned astonishment; "you

mistake, good Dalton, I have no interest at Whitehall; I would not ask a

favour for myself."

"That is likely; but you must ask one for me."

"Must!" repeated Sir Robert, "is a strange word to use to me, Dalton."

"I'm not scholar enough to find a better," replied the other insolently.

"I cannot if I would," persisted the Baronet.

"One word more, then. The Protector's plans render it impracticable for

me to continue, as I have done, on the seas: I know that I am a marked

man, and unless something be determined on, and speedily, I shall be

exposed to that ignominy which, for my child's sake, I would avoid.

Don't talk to me of impossibilities; you can obtain the pardon I

desire, and, in one word, Sir Robert Cecil, you must!"

Sir Robert shook his head.

"At your pleasure, then, at your pleasure; but at your peril also. Mark

me! I am not one to be thrown overboard, and make no struggle--I am not

a baby to be strangled without crying! If I perish, facts shall arise

from my grave--ay, if I were sunk a thousand fathoms in my own blue

sea--facts that would---- You may well tremble and turn pale! The secret

is still in our keeping; only remember, I fall not singly!"

"Insulting villain!" said Sir Robert, regaining his self-command; "you

have now no facts, no proofs; the evidence is destroyed."