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Updated: May 24, 2025
On the deck of the little craft which had entered the harbour when the vesper bell was ringing stood a man who waved a hand up towards her, then gave a peculiar call. She stared with amazement: it was Buonespoir the pirate. What did this mean? Had God sent this man to her, by his presence to suggest what she should do in this crisis in her life?
"As many chances 'gainst it as for it, M'sieu'," said Buonespoir, turning his face to the north, for the wind had veered again to north-east, and he feared its passing to the north-west, giving them a head-wind and a swooping sea. Night came down, but with a clear sky and a bright moon; the wind, however, not abating.
They raised their flagons and toasted each other, and Lempriere burst forth into song, in the refrain of which Buonespoir joined boisterously: "King Rufus he did hunt the deer, With a hey ho, come and kiss me, Dolly! It was the spring-time of the year, Hey ho, Dolly shut her eyes!
"Whose warrant?" said the Seigneur, fronting the halberdiers, Buonespoir and Abednego behind him. "The Seigneur of St. Ouen's," was the reply. "My compliments to the Seigneur of St. Ouen's, and tell him that Buonespoir is my guest," he bellowed, and strode on, the halberdiers following. Suddenly the Seigneur swerved towards the chapel and quickened his footsteps, the others but a step behind.
Elizabeth's lips parted in a smile, for she was warmed with the luxury of doing good, and she answered: "I know not what the end of this will be, whether our loyal Lempriere will become a pirate or Buonespoir a butler to my Court; but it is too pretty a hazard to forego in a world of chance.
They were of a day when men held their lives as lightly as many men hold their honour now; when championship was as the breath of life to men's nostrils, and to adventure for what was worth having or doing in life the only road of reputation. Buonespoir was as much a champion in his way as Lempriere of Rozel. They were of like kidney, though so far apart in rank.
Buonespoir intervened. "And what shall come of it? What shall be the end? The Honeyflower lies at anchor there be three good men in waiting, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and " The Seigneur interrupted. "There's little longer waiting. All's well! Her high hereditary Majesty smiled on me when she gave Leicester conge and fiery quittance.
And this gold-piece is still hot with running 'tween thee and me." Lempriere roared. "Why, then, for thy hit thou shalt have another gold- piece, gossip. But see" his voice lowered "know you where is my friend, Buonespoir, the pirate? Know you where he is in durance?" "As I know marrow in a bone I know where he hides, Nuncio, so come with me," answered the fool.
He hastily put up his sword. "When, my lord?" he asked. "You will hear from me to-night," was the answer, and Leicester went forward hastily to meet the ladies they had news no doubt. Lempriere turned on his heel and walked quickly away among the trees towards the quarters where Buonespoir was in durance, which was little more severe than to keep him within the palace yard.
Without a word all three left the house and walked on in the order indicated, as De Carteret's halberdiers ran forward threatening. "Stand!" shouted the sergeant of the halberdiers. "Stand, or we fire!" But the three walked straight on unheeding. When the sergeant of the men-at-arms recognised the Seigneur, he ordered down the blunderbusses. "We come for Buonespoir the pirate," said the sergeant.
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