The Buccaneer - A Tale

A mystery! ay, good, my masters.

----there's mystery

In a moonbeam--in a gnat's wing--

In the formation of an atom--

An atom! it may be a world--a peopled world--

Canst prove that it is not a world? Go to,

We are all fools.

Old Play

Hugh Dalton and Robin Hays had hastily proceeded to Cecil Place,

discoursing, as they went along, upon the probable consequences of their

friend's arrest. Bitterly did the Buccaneer comment upon the rashness

and impetuosity so frequently evinced by De Guerre.

"It is perfectly useless," he said, "attempting to curb these boy

heroes! the rushing blood must have its way until arrested by age, not

wisdom; the hot head must be cooled by the ice of time, and not till

then will the arguments or experience of others be regarded as they

merit."

"It is Burrell, I fear," retorted Robin; "there is but one hope in that

quarter--he cannot know him."

"But he may hear."

"How?"

"God knows; only I have ever observed that the keenness of such men

exceeds that of better and wiser ones."

"Ay, ay," said Robin; "but we must sharpen our wits in due proportion:

though, at present, I suspect it is arms we shall want. I know the room

well, and there is a lot of creeping ivy and such plants under the

window; the greatest difficulty will be with the iron stanchions."

"The greatest difficulty, methinks, will be to escape from the arrester;

and you seem to think nothing of the danger I run in trusting myself

within the grasp of such a man."

"The Cavalier is worth all risks."

"I know it, Robin. Did I ever shrink from peril in such a cause?"

"Faith, no!" replied the other with his usual chuckle; "if God had

willed you to be born a snail, you would have crept out of your house,

so careless are you in all things."

"Do you think there is aught of danger for Barbara?" said the Buccaneer,

his manner clearly showing that, if he did not care for himself, there

was something he did care for.

"If she is timid as a hare," replied Robin, "she is, as a hare, heedful

and light-footed; no fear for her. How your heart clings to her,

Captain!"

"So it does; and yet some strange shadow comes over me when I think of

her--as if I knew she would despise, perhaps hate me--she has been

brought up in such strict principles; still, I would not have her less

right-minded."