The Buccaneer - A Tale

Vengeance will sit above our faults; but till

She there do sit,

We see her not, nor them.

DR. DONNE

It is hardly necessary to direct the reader's attention to the quickness

and ingenuity at all times displayed by Robin Hays, or the facility with

which he adapted himself to any circumstance or situation that was

likely to favour or further his designs. The moment the Rabbi had stated

his intention of visiting Hampton Court, he perceived that, as a Jewish

servant, he might have abundant opportunities of ascertaining the

precise condition of the Cavalier: fortunately for his purpose, the

mention of Hugh Dalton's name at once decided Ben Israel in granting his

request.

The Jew had received intimation that the noted and well-known commander

of the Fire-fly had been lying off St. Vallery, and making many

inquiries relative to his daughter, who had at length been traced on

board his cruiser by her continental friends. "Doubtless," thought the

Rabbi, "I may be enabled to draw forth, or bribe forth, from this his

associate, whatever knowledge he may possess of the views and objects

which they contemplate as regards my most wretched daughter." In

pursuance of this plan he commenced a series of examinations as they

journeyed towards Hampton Court; which Robin, with all his dexterity,

would have found it difficult to parry, if he had had any intention or

desire so to do. Suddenly it occurred to the Ranger that the pretended

dumb boy was no other than Ben Israel's daughter, and he frankly

mentioned his suspicions.

The old man at first shrank from the supposition with extreme horror.

"It was impossible," he said, "that his child should so far forget her

birth and station, as to degrade herself by assuming male attire;" but

Robin reminded him that when a woman loves, as she must have done, and

has once sacrificed her duty, perhaps her honour, all obstacles become

as nought. The Jew groaned heavily, and remained long silent; she was

his only, and his beloved one; and, though the Jewish laws were strict,

even unto death, against any who wedded with strangers, yet he loved her

despite her disobedience, and the more he thought, the more resolved he

became to punish the betrayer of her innocence and faith.

Robin was also greatly distressed; the fear of some evil occurring to

Barbara took forcible possession of his mind. Why should this girl, if

indeed Jeromio's charge was actually a girl, why should she menace

Barbara? What had Barbara to do with the foul transaction? Could it be

possible, that, from her being tricked out with so much finery, the

stranger mistook the maid for the mistress; and with impotent rage, was

warning or threatening her, in an unknown tongue, against a marriage

with Burrell! He could not comprehend the matter; and the more he was at

fault, the more anxious he became. He, in his own mind, reproached even

the Buccaneer for imparting to him only half measures.