Owen was not in despair.
On the contrary it is doubtful whether in all fair Dublin that night a lighter heart could have been found than his.
There was reason for it too.
As to the danger menacing him, he laughed that to scorn—it was only a little adventure after all, one of many that marked his life.
He had won back the treasure that was almost beyond his reach, and the man who found himself secure in the love of that divine girl had cause for deep and heart-felt satisfaction.
Roderic could never tell how it ever came these fellows neglected to take what portable property he chanced to carry.
It was really a remarkable omission and might be laid to the fact of their being gentlemen though he himself was rather inclined to believe the truth rested in another quarter—that they had been ashamed in the presence of Georgia, and likewise confused by his positive statement about the Scotland Yard officers on their trail.
Having a deep seated aversion to English prisons, quite excusable, they had found their nerves unstrung.
Hence Roderic profited by their confusion.
He hunted up a cigar and a match.