Oh, sir, it was too much--and my Lady knew it, for she
had tied my hands so that I had but a moment to scribble down that
scrip, and bid Syphax take it to you. The dear lady! she said, 'her
God could deliver her out of the mouth of the lion,' and I could not
believe it! I thought it too late!"
"How can we thank you," began Betty; but she was choked by intense
anxiety, and Jem Green broke in with an inquiry where the ship was
bound for. Loveday only had a general impression of the West Indies,
and believed that the poor lady's destined spouse was a tobacconist,
and as the boat was soon among a forest of shipping where it could
not proceed so fast, Green had to inquire of neighbouring mariners
where the _Red Cloud_ was lying.
"The _Red Cloud_, Karen, weighs anchor for Carolina at flood tide
to-night. Shipper just going aboard," they were told.
Their speed had been so rapid that they were in time to see the
boat alongside, and preparations being made to draw up some one
or something on board. "Oh! that is she!" cried Loveday in great
agitation. "They've drugged her. No harm done. She don't know
it. But it is she!"
Sir Amyas, with a voice of thunder, called out, "Halt, villain," at
the same moment as Green shouted "Avast there, mate!" And their boat
came dashing up alongside.
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