Lady Eureka; or, The Mystery: A Prophecy of the Future. Volume 2

BY THE AUTHOR OF “MEPHISTOPHELES IN ENGLAND.”
IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II.
LONDON: LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, GREEN, & LONGMANS, PATERNOSTER-ROW. 1840.

EUREKA; A PROPHECY OF THE FUTURE.
“Now, doctor, you know my secret, and the whole of it,” said Zabra, at the conclusion of a long and interesting narrative he had communicated to Dr. Tourniquet, upon one of his professional visits. “Let not a word pass from your lips concerning what I have told you, for it would do me irreparable mischief. Be in your behaviour to me exactly as you have been. The slightest alteration would create suspicion, and that I am most anxious to avoid. May I rely upon you?”

“Rely upon me!” cried the surgeon, while his good-natured countenance was glowing with benevolence. “If you ever catch me saying a word, I’ll allow any body to make a preparation of me before I’m dead. I’d sooner demonstrate upon my own skeleton, don’t you see, than betray your secret. By all that’s good, you’re an extraordinary creature—a more extraordinary creature than ever I met with in the whole course of my practice. I always thought there was something strange about you, don’t you see—a mystery I could not exactly understand—but now every thing appears as simple as the first rudiments of medicine.”
“You gratify me exceedingly by this assurance,” observed the youth, “and I am delighted by your ready acquiescence with my wishes. How can I best express my gratitude?”
“Tush, tush—don’t talk about that,” replied the other kindly. “Knowing what I do of you, I would do any thing in the world to serve you, don’t you see. Consider me from this time as your father, your brother, or your friend, and whenever my advice or assistance can be useful, apply to me, and I will do all in my power to forward your interests.”
“You overpower me with your goodness,” said his young companion, returning the cordial pressure of the hand he had received. “Can I ever repay——”
“Tush, tush, never mind repaying,” hastily rejoined the doctor. “I am well repaid by the pleasure it gives me to assist in your noble intentions, don’t you see. But if I may be allowed to give you a little advice, I should strongly recommend you not to be so careless of your life as you have been. You are not formed for fighting, don’t you see. You are not strong enough; but notwithstanding that, to my certain knowledge you paid off many of the piratical rascals pretty handsomely, and showed them to what profit you could apply the lessons they had given you. When I think of you finishing some of the scoundrels so dexterously as you did, I am filled with wonder. However, it is not right. You stand no chance in the midst of a set of strong ferocious men intent upon destroying all who oppose them. Your escape is a miracle; but you should remember that you cannot be spared.”