Thus, in reality, all the interests with which this story deals converged
towards one point: the fourteen thousand pounds. Richard Hardie's
opposition was a mere misunderstanding; and if he had been told of the
Cash, and to what purpose Mrs. Dodd destined it, and then put on board
the _Agra_ in the Straits of Gaspar, he would have calmly taken off his
coat, and help to defend the bearer of It against all assailants as
stoutly, and, to all appearance, imperturbably, as he had fought that
other bitter battle at home. For there was something heroic in this
erring man, though his rectitude depended on circumstances.
CHAPTER IX
THE way the pirate dropped the mask, showed his black teeth, and bore up
in chase, was terrible: so dilates and bounds the sudden tiger on his
unwary prey. There were stout hearts among the officers of the peaceable
_Agra_; but danger in a new form shakes the brave, and this was their
first pirate: their dismay broke out in ejaculations not loud but deep.
"Hush," said Dodd doggedly; "the lady!"
Mrs. Beresford had just come on deck to enjoy the balmy morning.
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