| 311 | 312 | 313 | 314 | 315 |
| 1 | 88 | 177 | 265 | 353 |
|
(such as it was) nor, above all, to his decision. If he had once judged
Dick to be the right man to pursue Sir Daniel, he was not one to change;
and he soon proved it by shouting after Catesby to be speedy, for the
paladin was waiting.
In the meanwhile, Dick turned to the old shipman, who had seemed equally
indifferent to his condemnation and to his subsequent release.
"Arblaster," said Dick, "I have done you ill; but now, by the rood, I
think I have cleared the score."
But the old skipper only looked upon him dully and held his peace.
"Come," continued Dick, "a life is a life, old shrew, and it is more than
ships or liquor. Say ye forgive me; for if your life be worth nothing to
you, it hath cost me the beginnings of my fortune. Come, I have paid for
it dearly; be not so churlish."
"
An I had had my ship," said Arblaster, "I would 'a' been forth and safe
on the high seas--I and my man Tom. But ye took my ship, gossip, and I'm
a beggar; and for my man Tom, a knave fellow in russet shot him down.
'
Murrain!' quoth he, and spake never again. 'Murrain' was the last of
his words, and the poor spirit of him passed. 'A will never sail no
more, will my Tom.'"
Dick was seized with unavailing penitence and pity; he sought to take the
skipper's hand, but Arblaster avoided his touch.
Page
Quick Jump
|