The Buccaneer - A Tale

"Did you say a gentleman? No, no, I will never marry her to one who

would take her as so much ballast to her gold, and scorn her as the

Rover's daughter."

"But you would scorn a poor man for her?"

"Blessed poverty!" exclaimed the sailor; "how would I hug it to my

heart--make it joint partner with my child in my affections, if it would

only bring a fair unspotted name in exchange for the gold it might take

away. Blessed poverty!"

It would appear that Robin was too much occupied by his own feelings to

be on the alert as usual; for Dalton was the first to perceive a man

stealing along by the side of, but not on, the path they had quitted; he

pointed him out to Robin's attention. In an instant the little Ranger

commenced reconnoitring; and came back without delay, to tell the

Captain that it was no other than Jack Roupall.

"Jack Roupall!" repeated Dalton, returning instantly to the path they

had quitted, saying aloud at the same time, "Why, Jack, what sends you

on this tack?"

Whether from some sudden tremor or astonishment, it cannot be

ascertained, nor could the ruffian himself account for it, he discharged

a pistol, evidently without aim, and Robin as instantly struck it from

his hand.

It was this report that had so terrified Barbara. But there was another

ear upon which it struck--in the solitude of that wild room in Cecil

Place. It sent the blood rushing to his evil brain;--he clasped his

hands in exultation; for the death-sound was to him the voice of

security; and he prayed--(that such wretches are allowed to pray!)--that

the bullet was at that moment wading in the life-stream of the

Buccaneer.