"Or a revenue cutter, I presume," observed the Baronet, sarcastically.
"Curse me if I do!" replied Dalton, contemptuously--"the sharks! No, no,
I'm not come to that yet; nor would I ever think of hoisting any flag
but mine own, were it not for the sake of a small craft, as belonging
to--no matter what."
"You have seen but little of the girl."
"Too little: and why? Because I was ashamed to see her--but now--not
ten minutes ago--I was glad she did not know me. Sir Robert, when your
own daughter hangs upon your arm, or looks with her innocent eyes into
your face, how do you feel?"
Sir Robert Cecil had been too well schooled in Puritanism to suffer the
emotions of his mind to affect his features. He did not reply to the
question, but skilfully turning the conversation, brought the intruder
back to his old subject.
"How do you purpose procuring this free pardon?"
"I! I know not how to procure it; I only wish it procured: the means are
in your power, not mine."
"In mine!" ejaculated the Baronet with well-feigned astonishment; "you
mistake, good Dalton, I have no interest at Whitehall; I would not ask a
favour for myself."
"That is likely; but you must ask one for me."
"Must!" repeated Sir Robert, "is a strange word to use to me, Dalton."
"I'm not scholar enough to find a better," replied the other insolently.
"I cannot if I would," persisted the Baronet.
"One word more, then. The Protector's plans render it impracticable for
me to continue, as I have done, on the seas: I know that I am a marked
man, and unless something be determined on, and speedily, I shall be
exposed to that ignominy which, for my child's sake, I would avoid.
Don't talk to me of impossibilities; you can obtain the pardon I
desire, and, in one word, Sir Robert Cecil, you must!"
Sir Robert shook his head.
"At your pleasure, then, at your pleasure; but at your peril also. Mark
me! I am not one to be thrown overboard, and make no struggle--I am not
a baby to be strangled without crying! If I perish, facts shall arise
from my grave--ay, if I were sunk a thousand fathoms in my own blue
sea--facts that would---- You may well tremble and turn pale! The secret
is still in our keeping; only remember, I fall not singly!"
"Insulting villain!" said Sir Robert, regaining his self-command; "you
have now no facts, no proofs; the evidence is destroyed."