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.