"Yes; but they were Englishmen," I answered. "The Irish might be quicker-witted."
I knew that he was an Irishman, for he had a genteel touch of the brogue.
"Look here, my young sir," he rejoined; "I am a wealthy man, and my word is as good as a written and sworn-to bond. If you will land me on the coast of Ireland, anywhere, I will give you a thousand pounds."
"No money could tempt me," I replied, "to place the freedom of my crew in jeopardy; but this I have determined; if I meet a vessel bound for Europe, and can do so without risk, I intend to place you and your granddaughter Mistress Tanner on board of her. More than this it is beyond my power to do."
"You just spoke Miss Tanner's name," said the old man, looking at me fiercely; "and when we came on board, your forwardness in speaking was most noticeable. I pray you, do you claim acquaintance?"
"Sir," I returned, "it is as the lady says."
"She says you are a stranger to her," answered the old man, grimly.
"So be it," I replied, and turned upon my heel.
I did not see anything of Mary that day, but late in the evening she and her grandfather came on deck, and, arm in arm, walked up and down the weather side of the quarter-deck, I giving over to them, and pacing up and down the opposite side of the mainsail; but my heart was big to bursting, and I was tempted again and again to step around the mast, and standing there face to face with the girl that had given me the rose, demand an explanation. Oh, woman! who can account for your strange actions or analyze the motives of your inconsistencies?
As they went below, I happened to be standing so close that my presence could not be ignored, nor could I, without seeming rudeness, avoid speaking.