The Buccaneer - A Tale

Good sir, look upon him--

But let it be with my eyes, and the care

You should owe to your daughter's life and safety,

Of which, without him, she's uncapable,

And you'll approve him worthy.

MASSINGER

The apartment which the Buccaneer selected as his place of conference

was at some distance from, though on a line with, that which Fleetword

had so unwillingly tenanted. Its entrance was by two doors, one of

secret construction, leading to the stairs, the other opening into the

passage that was frequented by all who were connected with the Fire-fly.

"Now--now," said Robin, "tell--tell me, captain, how all the wonderful

things of the past days have happened: it is a strange mystery, yet it

was a horrid dream!"

Dalton again sighed, but more heavily than before, as he replied, "My

adventures are soon told. I had despatched to the Protector such

documents as I knew would lead him to prevent the marriage of Lady

Constantia; my heart relented towards her, and I saw that Providence was

working its reed in other ways without my aid. Secreted in one of the

chapel vaults, I watched the coming of those who were to stay the

ceremony. I knew the certainty that come they would, for I could rely

upon the speed of the man I trusted, and that Oliver would act upon the

instant I had no doubt. I have long had my own plans of revenge against

the villain Burrell, but they were too slow for one so perfect in

iniquity. Robin! he would have murdered me on board my own ship. I

listened for the tramp of the soldiers--gloating in my own mind over his

disappointment, and exulting in his fall, thinking how his proud spirit

would be brought low amid the crowded court! But they tarried--I could

not hear the sound of their horses' hoofs--although within the old abbey

chapel were the bride, the bridegroom--(curse him!)--and their

attendants. Again I listened--the ceremony began--I sniffed the breeze

like a war-steed--I heard them coming, but the Preacher was speaking the

words, and they would arrive too late. All consideration for my own

safety was lost in my longing for revenge, and, I will add, my deep

desire to save the lamb from the tiger's fangs. I rushed towards the

chapel--there was a pistol-shot--it gave speed to my steps. At the door

I encountered Burrell; and he--he, the fiend, screamed into my ears that

my child was slain!"

Dalton and Robin Hays both shuddered, and some minutes had elapsed

before the Buccaneer resumed his story.

"I know not what I did, except that the place was filled with armed men,

and the dastard Burrell commanded the fanatic Jones (I remembered him

well) to seize me; moreover, he would have fired, I believe he did fire,

but my memory is sadly confused.