"Wait then for an hour or two; and we shall be on the high seas—and out of any jurisdiction," added Captain Tolley.
"Who is this maiden? Who gives her away?" asked the minister.
"This maiden is Mistress Dulcibel Burton," said Master Raymond, taking her by the hand.
"She is an orphan; but I give her away," added the Captain.
"Dulcibel Burton! the serpent witch!" exclaimed Master Mather. "What is that convict doing here? Has she broken jail?"
"Master Mather," said the Captain in an excited tone, "if you utter another word of insult against this innocent and beautiful maiden, I will have you flung overboard to the sharks! So take care of what you say!" and the indignant seaman shook his finger in the minister's face warningly.
"Master Mather," added Raymond, more coolly, "Mistress Burton has not broken jail. She was duly released from custody by Keeper Arnold on the presentation of an official paper by Lady Mary Phips. Therefore your conscience need not be uneasy on that score."
"Why are you here then—why making this haste? It is evident that there is something wrong about it."
"Boston has not treated either of us so well that we are very desirous of remaining," replied Master Raymond. "And as we are going together, it is only decorous that we should get married. If you however refuse to marry us, we shall be compelled to take you with us—for the mere presence of such a respected minister will be sufficient to shield the maiden's name from all reckless calumniators."
The second mate came to the door of the cabin. "Captain, there is a fine breeze blowing, it is a pity not to use it."