is stirring. I should have got her out, far out before,
had I not been obliged to move her backwards and forwards, owing to the
cursed mischances of the times; and, Springall, I am not the man I was."

"Look, captain!" said the boy, energetically; "I would rather set a
torch to the powder-chest of that gay ship, than have her turned into a
Roundhead. Didn't I with my own eyes see a lubberly rascal take a
chisel, or some o' their land tools, and shave every lock of hair off
the figure-head of the 'Royal Charles,' and even off the beard, shorten
the nose into a stub, and then scrawl under it, 'The blessed change;
this regenerated vessel will be known hereafter as the Holy Oliver'?
Wasn't that blasphemy? Come, captain, rouse yourself; let's call a
council--there's little Robin Hays, he loves her timbers as he loves his
life--there's the boatswain, and a lot of honest hands. Let's ship the
ballast--the women I mean--and off for the Americees. Let them blow
Gull's Nest to the devil, if they like; so our trim ship is safe, what
need we care? Ill luck is in the land to any who touch it, save to put
off a rich cargo or take in fresh water."

Dalton shook his head, and his heart sank within him; his mind becoming
more and more perplexed, when he remembered the two helpless females who
depended on him--the one for life, the other for justice--his own desire
for pardon, too, struggling with his affection for his vessel.

He paced the room for a few moments, and then, accompanied by the
animated and daring young sailor, sallied forth in search of Robin Hays,
having first resolved that the preacher Fleetword should be sent to keep
watch by the bedside of the dying woman.

CHAPTER VIII.

E'en such is Time; which takes in trust
Our youth, our joys, and all we have;
And pays us nought but age and dust,
Which in the dark and silent grave,
When we have wander'd all our ways,
Shuts up the story of our days.

SIR WALTER RALEIGH.

Robin, when he quitted the Buccaneer, proceeded not towards his mother's
house, but again entered the chamber in which Barbara lay: he paused,
and listened to ascertain if she again slept. He heard no sound, and at
length ventured to divide the drapery, and look within. The motion,
slight as it was, was noticed by the gentle maid, who beckoned with her
finger, and her lover was in an instant by her side.

"I shall be well--soon well again, Robin," she murmured; "and