application of the palm of Robin's broad
hand to his unclosed lips; while he whispered some words into his ear,
that had the magical effect of restoring the weapon to its sheath, and
of inducing the braggart to resume the seat he had so hastily abandoned,
grumbling, in an under tone, words that fell indistinctly upon the ear
of his opposer.

"Let us home; it is a long and a dreary road to Cecil Place, and the
night is upon us already! so up, good Solomon. Here, landlord! this
fatted calf is unable to move: give him house-room till to-morrow; and
mind you put him on his way in time for the dinner-hour," was Robin's
parting speech. He then exchanged rough, but kindly salutations, with
his boon companions; and soon the trio--Walter, Springall, and Robin had
taken a by-path, leading to the part of the island in which Cecil Place
was situated.

CHAPTER IX.

His rude assault, and rugged handeling
Straunge seemed to the knight, that aye with foe
In faire defence, and goodly menaging
Of arms, was wont to fight.--_The Faerie Queene._

The three young men pursued their way; at first laughing and chatting
merrily upon the events of the morning; but gradually becoming more and
more silent, as persons usually do when the first flush of revelling is
over. The taller of the three, who has of course been recognised as the
mysterious visiter at Lady Cecil's funeral and in the cave of the
Buccaneer, although he bore himself towards them with all the courtesy
of a true-born gentleman, received the deference of his more humble
associates only as his due, and in a manner that showed he had been
accustomed to more than merely respectful treatment. After traversing
much low and marshy ground, they suddenly reached a spot where the road
divided, the one path leading to Cecil Place, the other to Gull's Nest
crag.

"Come with me, Robin; unless, indeed, the master wishes your company. I
ask his pardon for not thinking of that afore," said Springall.

"Not I, good Springall," replied the gentleman. "I think you need a
guide, for you walk the quarter-deck better than the dry land; and, if I
mistake not, there are sundry pit-falls in the way to your present home.
I know my path; and, besides, am a regular land-lubber."

"Save and bless your honour!" exclaimed the young sailor, holding all
land-lubbers in thorough contempt: "that ye're not: land-lubber, indeed!
I'll be at the Nest to-morrow early--if----"

"Hush!" s