, that he would do well to inspect the letter of which he was
bearer, that he was about to spring up and attempt an escape, he knew
not wherefore, or from whom.

'Sit still, young man,' said the father, with the same tone of authority
which reigned in his whole manner, although mingled with stately
courtesy. 'You are in no danger--my character shall be a pledge for your
safety. By whom do you suppose these words have been written?'

Fairford could have answered, 'By Nanty Ewart,' for he remembered seeing
that person scribble something with a pencil, although he was not well
enough to observe with accuracy where or upon what. But not knowing
what suspicions, or what worse consequences the seamen's interest in his
affairs might draw upon him, he judged it best to answer that he knew
not the hand.

Father Buonaventure was again silent for a moment or two, which he
employed in surveying the letter with the strictest attention; then
stepped to the window, as if to examine the address and writing of the
envelope with the assistance of a stronger light, and Alan Fairford
beheld him, with no less amazement than high displeasure, coolly and
deliberately break the seal, open the letter, and peruse the contents.

'Stop, sir, hold!' he exclaimed, so soon as his astonishment permitted
him to express his resentment in words; 'by what right do you dare'--

'Peace, young gentleman,' said the father, repelling him with a wave
of his hand; 'be assured I do not act without warrant--nothing can pass
betwixt Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Redgauntlet that I am not fully entitled to
know.'

'It may be so,' said Alan, extremely angry; 'but though you may be these
gentlemen's father confessor, you are not mine; and in breaking the seal
of a letter entrusted to my care, you have done me'--

'No injury, I assure you,' answered the unperturbed priest; 'on the
contrary, it may be a service.'

'I desire no advantage at such a rate, or to be obtained in such a
manner,' answered Fairford; 'restore me the letter instantly, or'--

'As you regard your own safety,' said the priest, 'forbear all injurious
expressions, and all menacing gestures. I am not one who can be
threatened or insulted with impunity; and there are enough within
hearing to chastise any injury or affront offered to me, in case I may
think it unbecoming to protect or avenge myself with my own hand.'

In saying this, the father assumed an air of such fearlessness and calm
authority, that