"The Fire-fly, to be towed into Chatham and about, and pointed at by the
cowardly land-lubbers, as Hugh Dalton's fine vessel! 'Twould kill him,
please your Highness, it would kill him. He would not take his life on
such terms----"
"Let him lose it, then. Think ye that, though you were honest, there are
not many who pant to discover the secrets of that nest? Came I here for
pastime? The Lord he is righteous and merciful. The cavern and its
wealth is ours. The goodness of the Lord is over all the earth; yet such
is the corruption of all things that we have no leisure for repose, much
less pastime. Men's passions and evil propensities devour us, and fright
comfort and often holy communing from our pillow. Go to, then. We have
one who could lead us blindfold through your crag and its chambers. If
we find Dalton armed, justice must take its course; even I could not
save him then."
"It is little your guide would know what awaited him, if he did conduct
the soldiers of your Highness," replied Robin, perhaps in a tone of
momentary familiarity, the result of his long conference.
"It is enough," said Cromwell. "Though you have denied that you were
directed by him to see us on this matter, yet you will not scruple to do
our bidding. I need not repeat--within four hours from this time,--the
Jewess, the man of God, Dalton and his daughter--secretly, mark,
secretly--within this chamber. During this period my soldiers sleep;
but the vessel must not be unmoored. Remember, if its anchor is
weighed--or slipped," he added, with that extraordinary penetration
which saw every possibility of even equivoque, and guarded against it,
"the Buccaneer's life is forfeit."
Robin bowed with great submission, but still lingered.
"Please your Highness, he does so love that vessel!"
"You practise on our humanity, young man, and forget to whom you speak."
Robin bowed again more lowly than before, and retreated down the room.
While closing the door, he looked to where the Protector sat; Cromwell,
observing the movement, raised his hand, and pointed to the time-piece,
whose iron finger was fast travelling round the dial.