An atom! it may be a world--a peopled world--
Canst prove that it is not a world? Go to,
We are all fools.

_Old Play._

Hugh Dalton and Robin Hays had hastily proceeded to Cecil Place,
discoursing, as they went along, upon the probable consequences of their
friend's arrest. Bitterly did the Buccaneer comment upon the rashness
and impetuosity so frequently evinced by De Guerre.

"It is perfectly useless," he said, "attempting to curb these boy
heroes! the rushing blood must have its way until arrested by age, not
wisdom; the hot head must be cooled by the ice of time, and not till
then will the arguments or experience of others be regarded as they
merit."

"It is Burrell, I fear," retorted Robin; "there is but one hope in that
quarter--he cannot know him."

"But he may hear."

"How?"

"God knows; only I have ever observed that the keenness of such men
exceeds that of better and wiser ones."

"Ay, ay," said Robin; "but we must sharpen our wits in due proportion:
though, at present, I suspect it is arms we shall want. I know the room
well, and there is a lot of creeping ivy and such plants under the
window; the greatest difficulty will be with the iron stanchions."

"The greatest difficulty, methinks, will be to escape from the arrester;
and you seem to think nothing of the danger I run in trusting myself
within the grasp of such a man."

"The Cavalier is worth all risks."

"I know it, Robin. Did I ever shrink from peril in such a cause?"

"Faith, no!" replied the other with his usual chuckle; "if God had
willed you to be born a snail, you would have crept out of your house,
so careless are you in all things."

"Do you think there is aught of danger for Barbara?" said the Buccaneer,
his manner clearly showing that, if he did not care for himself, there
was something he did care for.

"If she is timid as a hare," replied Robin, "she is, as a hare, heedful
and light-footed; no fear for her. How your heart clings to her,
Captain!"

"So it does; and yet some strange shadow comes over me when I think of
her--as if I knew she would despise, perhaps hate me--she has been
brought up in such strict principles; still, I would not have her less
right-minded."

He paused, and they proceeded silently on their way, Dalton pondering on
the best method of procuring De Guerre's liberty, and then thinking of
his sweet and gentle child.

Nature may lie buried or be stifled for a time--an apathetic t