“Buy flowers, sir? buy flowers?” she asked, as he came up.
“Yes,” was the reply, “take all you have; and come with me. I have no way to carry them without your basket,—come.”
“Pay, sir?” she said, looking into his face with a roguish, merry smile, making her black eyes dance, and showing her white even teeth.
Harris laughed, threw a bit of money towards her, and walked on. She gathered up her treasures and followed. They entered the castle, and every man drank to the health of the pretty flower-girl. She drew back, trembling, and tried to run away. Harris stopped her, and led her to a low seat where the sunlight looked in, bidding her go on with her work, and when that was finished he had plenty more for her to do. She laughed and pouted, and at last went to work again.
After that she was often at the castle, and at last she too embarked on the waters, to find a home in the new country. There was a dark rumor afloat, at the time, of force used to make the wild Cathrin go with the pirate band; but it was soon forgotton.
After this there were more regular rules observed; only the seven regular members staying at the Glen and rock, and sometimes only five. Cathrin was given over to Veale, but why it was that she never saw any more of Harris she did not know.
One morning the Arabel shot out of the snug little harbor of Lynn, with all sail set, the whole crew on board, and all their hidden treasures left in the sole care of Cathrin and the magic rattlesnake. But there was trouble brewing. Even then one of the king’s cruiser’s was out upon the watch for the little outlandish craft. They were well matched as to sailing, but the Britisher’s broadside soon swept away the fore-topmast of the Arabel. Then she was boarded, a hand-to-hand encounter ensued, and the pirates, instead of being subdued, triumphed, and took the others prisoners. This of course, was a flagrant, never-to-be-forgotton offence; but they kept on their way rejoicing, and at last met Harris at Wales.
“Where is the little flower-girl?” he asked, as they sat discussing their business over the flowing wine.
The men looked surprised, and Veale answered, “She is in the cave, your honor.”
“At the cave!” repeated Harris. “Why! was she willing to go?”