"With all humility, your Highness, no:--I would speak of Hugh Dalton and
the Fire-fly."
"Of his ship, which may be at sea, say you?"
Robin ventured one glance at Cromwell's countenance, doubtless with the
intention of ascertaining if he knew the position of the vessel: but
there was no expression on those features that could lead to any
conclusion, and the Ranger skilfully evaded the question.
"It is indeed of Hugh Dalton I would speak," continued Robin, "and
intreat in his behalf, what I need myself, yet ask not for--a pardon."
"Pardon!" repeated Cromwell, "Pardon!--on what grounds?"
"Those of mercy--upon which your Highness has pardoned many; and, please
your Highness, if I may make bold to say so, this same man has some
reason, however small, to offer. The Jewess Zillah----"
"Ah! what of her?"
"Is in his keeping, and a certain preacher also--a worthy, simple, yet,
withal, a keen man, whom Sir Willmott Burrell, as I understand,
entrapped and shut up, with famine as his only associate, because he had
become possessed of some papers proving Sir Willmott's marriage with the
Jewish lady."
"And Dalton----"
"Saved this Fleetword!"
"Ah, Fleetword!" interrupted Cromwell, "I have heard of his
disappearance--and he is safe?"
"Perfectly."
"I bless the Lord for his unravelling! But why comes not this man forth
from his den? Methinks, if he have rendered such service to the Jew, who
is our friend, he has some claim to our consideration, and might
hope--perhaps, hope for pardon. But, if I judge rightly, he expected
more than pardon,--pardon for his ship also, and farther grace towards
himself:--ran it not thus?"
"Please your Highness, yes. The man loves his ship, which is but
natural; and then his men----"
"What! the reeving ravenous set who have carried destruction as
their flag, and filled the coast with desolation; aided and
abetted in plunder, and brought over malcontents from evil
lands, and scattered them like flax-seed over the country!
Cornwall--Devon--Essex--Kent--Sussex--everywhere;--disturbed ourselves,
so that by night as well as day we lack repose; and are forced to be our
own watch-dog, to the great discomfort and danger of our body, and the
vexation of our soul! Pardon for such as they! Dalton we might pardon,
we have reasons for it; but his ship--it shall burn upon the high seas,
as an example to all like it; and, as to his crew,--why not a scoundrel
could be found robbing a hen-roost who would not declare himself one of
Hugh Dalton's gang! To send you, too, as his ambassador!"