Dan. But—— (Reuben pushes him.)
Jas. Not a word. Be off, and do your errand—and mind, no treachery, or—— (Jasper takes a burning log from the fire, and holds it immediately over the hole where Dan’l’s money is concealed. Dan’l snatches it from him.)
Dan. Put that down, put that down, for the love of Heaven—put it down, I say, you’ll have the hut afire—and I’ll see what I can do, I’ll see what I can do.
[Dan’l throws log on fire and exit.
Jas. Whew! I’ve brought the old devil to his senses. What a life this is! Was ever poor dog so hounded about from pillar to post as Jasper Combe? and for no better reason than that he is a gentleman, and loves his king!
Reu. Pardon, sir, but I never was accounted a gentleman, and for my king I care not one jot, yet am I hounded much as you are.
Jas. Thou art hounded much as I am because thou thyself art as I am, though in a lower degree. King Charles is my king (raises hat)—God bless him!—and I serve him, and am hunted for so doing. Jasper Combe is thy king (Reuben raises hat)—God bless him likewise!—and thou servest him, and thou art hunted for so doing. The analogy is complete. Be thou as faithful to thy king as I am to mine, and thy king will reward thee—when my king rewards me! Is the child safe?
Reu. (uncovering the child, and bringing it down). Ay, sir, thanks to my cloak; though I’m but a sorry dry-nurse, having taken to it late in life; but it’s never too late to learn, and I’ve learnt this, that babes won’t eat ship’s biscuits, and strong waters choke them. Their poor little heads can’t stand strong waters. I’ll marry some day on that piece of knowledge.
Jas. Add this to it, to my dower—that when thou art flying for thy life it’s best to leave thy babes behind. A dozen times we might have got away but for being hampered with this squalling abomination. Was ever officer of cavalry accursed with such a ridiculous element of peril?
Reu. Was ever sergeant of horse armed with such a mischief-dealing implement?