Jas. But there’s not—be off. (He watches him out, then quickly turns to the hole in which the money is concealed.) So—this changes the aspect of affairs. Old fool, thou hast betrayed us, and this is fair plunder. (Takes it out of the hole.) With fair luck we may beat across to France to-night, and once there we are safe. But the child—again a clog on our movements! She would surely perish in an open boat on such a night as this. It’s a matter of life and death—her life as well as mine. It would be murder to take her to sea with us, and it would be murder to remain and fight these fellows with her in our arms. There is no help for it—I must leave her here—this locket will serve to identify her (putting a locket and chain on her neck)—and I’ll reclaim her when I get across. They’ll never harm a child!
Enter Reuben hurriedly.
Reu. Sir, sir, the troops are upon us—they’re not two hundred yards off——
Jas. I’m coming. (Exit Reuben. Jasper writes on a piece of paper, and pins it on the child’s dress.) So—lie thou there, and God help thee, little one. I’m loth to leave thee, but it’s for life and death—for life and death!
[Jasper leaps through the window as Dan’l and a Sergeant, with four Soldiers, in Parliamentary uniform, enter at the door.
Dan. (sees blaze of log fire). Fire! fire! He has fired the hut—he has fired the hut!
Ser. Nay, fool, ’tis but thy blazing hearth; thy hut’s safe enough. Where are thy prisoners?
Dan. Oh, the reckless prodigal! see how he hath wasted my substance!
Ser. There are no men hidden here. The sons of Belial have escaped. Why, thou hast betrayed us; and if so, thou shalt hang for it. (2nd Soldier mounts ladder to get into loft.)
Dan. They were here, but the noise of thy horses’ hoofs has alarmed them, and they are gone. I warned thee to tether thy beasts afar, and proceed silently.