The Lady and the Pirate

But these, all, were lesser things to me, for on my soul was a more

insistent concern. I turned now, seeing that Peterson, wholly

reconciled to the new order of affairs, was speeding the boat onward

as though I never had left her; so that I knew she was safe in his

hands, although I set Lafitte to watch him. Followed by my faithful

friend Partial, who expressed every evidence of having enjoyed a most

interesting evening, I presently made my way aft.

As I approached the door of the after-cabin suite, occupied by the

ladies, I made my presence known at first discreetly, then more

pointedly, and, at length, by a knocking on the door.

"Below, there!" I called, boldly as I could; for eager as I was to

see Helena Emory, there were certain things about the interview which

might be difficult. Lovers who have parted, finally, approach each

other, even by accident, thereafter, with a certain reluctance.

(Lovers, did I say? Nay, never had she said she loved me. She had only

said she wished she did, wished she could.) No answer came at first. Then, "Who is it?" in the voice of Aunt

Lucinda.

"It is I, Mr. Henry--" but I paused: "--It is I, Black Bart the

Avenger," I concluded. "May I come in?"

Silently the door opened, and I entered the little reception-room

which lay between the two staterooms of this cabin. Before me stood

Helena! And now I was close to her, I could see the little curls at

her temples, could see the double curves of her lips, the color in her

cheek. Ah! she was the same, the same! I loved her--I loved her not

the same, but more and more, more!

She held her peace; and all I could do was to stand and stare and then

hold out my hand. She took it formally, though her color heightened. I

saluted Aunt Lucinda also, who glared at me. "How do you do?" I said

to them both, with much originality and daring.

"Black Bart!" snorted Aunt Lucinda. "Black Bart! It might be, from

these goings on. What does it all mean?"

"It means, my dear Mrs. Daniver," said I, "that I have taken charge of

the boat myself."

"But how?" demanded Helena. "We did not hear you were coming. And I

don't understand. Why, that rascally little nephew of mine, in the

mask, frightened auntie nearly to death. And he said the most

extraordinary things!

"Where is Mr. Davidson?" she added. "He didn't tell us a word of

this."

"He didn't know a word of it himself," I answered. "Let me tell you,

no self-respecting pirate--and as you see, I am a pirate--is in the

habit of telling his plans in advance."

"A pirate!"

I bowed politely. "At your service. Black Bart--my visiting cards are

mislaid, but I intend ordering some new ones. The ship's cook, John,

will soon be here with tea. These events may have been wearying.

Meantime, allow me to present my friend Partial."