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.