Page:Lady Barbarity; a romance (IA ladybarbarityrom00snai).pdf/258

 "Or your inclination," says I, harshly.

"Mr. Dare," says the Captain to his prisoner, "I would have you place both your open hands upon the table-cloth, for, Mr. Dare, in my opinion you are as skilful as they're grown, allowing for your years and opportunities. Let me admit at once, sir, that I entertain a considerable opinion of you. But if, Mr. Dare, I might venture to advise you, I should make as little noise to-night as possible or the reputation of her ladyship will be undoubtedly in peril."

'Twas rather like being choked with a surfeit of strawberries and cream, or maddened with a brook of silver melody to hear the Captain use this complimentary tenderness with the subtle notes of triumph ringing underneath it. And his face! His eyes appeared to overflow with admiration and solicitude. But there was a quiet curl about his mouth that made him wholly hateful. The prisoner was the next to speak.

"Captain," he said, "I'm squarely ta'en. And if you will promise to spare her ladyship I'll yield unreservedly. If you will not, you will have to put a bullet through me, for 'tis more to my taste than Tyburn in the cart."

Here, despite himself, the poor wretch shivered.

"Willingly," says the Captain, "and that's a bargain. Give me your word upon it, sir, and then I can put this bit of iron up."

Thereon the prisoner bowed in assent to his