The captain stood over him, quite the master of the situation, and dictated.
"DEAR SIR: I regret that circumstances have occurred which compel me, on consideration, to recall the consent which I reluctantly gave you this morning. I must beg of you to believe that I am obliged by the force of circumstances to rescind that promise, and that I am strengthened in my resolution to refuse you the hand of my daughter by the countess, who is strongly opposed to any engagement taking place between you. If you have already seen Lady Boisdale, and acquainted her with your hopes and wishes, I must beg that you will, by writing, inform her that all engagements between you must cease, and that you are compelled in honor to refrain from prosecuting your suit. With regret I have arrived at this decision, and sign myself most sincerely your well-wisher, LACKLAND.
"P.S.--It would be as well, perhaps, if you could make arrangements to leave London for a time. If it should be inconvenient to you to do so, I will remove Lady Boisdale to one of my places in the country."
This letter was written and signed by the earl.
It was carried by a servant to the Temple, and it was read by our friend, Bertie, as we have seen.
Its effect upon him was beyond all description.
Leicester had not much to complain of on the score of treatment from the captain and crew of the smuggler.
He went about his work silently, and with a certain dignity which repelled any advances on the part of his companions.
A year and some months passed wearily enough for Leicester, who hoped day by day for opportunity of escape.
But none presented itself, and at last he had almost determined to fling himself overboard, when the captain came one day to where he stood in the forecastle, and addressed him thus, in his Yankee drawl:
"Stranger, I guess we understand each other by this time?"
"I hope we do," said Leicester, moodily. "I am hoping that this accursed vessel will wreck some day," said Leicester, "and then----"
"Then I may stand a chance," said Leicester, fiercely.
"So," said the Yankee, "that's the game, is it? Here!" and he called to two or three of the crew. "Clap this chap into irons."
The men came forward reluctantly, and Leicester, after a fierce struggle, was forced down upon the deck and heavily ironed.