not refuse!"

CHAPTER X

_TAKEN CAPTIVE_

Rupert, when he heard those words of Marian, gave a laugh, and
advanced a step towards me.

"There now, you see how it is," he said, "as I told you long ago in
Yarmouth; but you wouldn't believe me. Come, why need we keep up our
quarrel any longer, when the girl tells you to your face that she
prefers me? After all, we are of the same blood, good Norfolk
dumplings both; and if I have done you any injury in the past, I am
here ready to tender my best amends for it."

He spoke this with a brave air, and I believe was going to offer me
his hand. I must confess that I was a little touched with compunction
at that mention of Norfolk, where I was born. Something, too, of that
old superiority and fascination which this man had exercised over me
in my boyhood revived as he spoke. But the memory of his subsequent
treacheries and crimes was too strong for me to feel more than a
momentary inclination towards yielding. I drew back from him,
therefore, and shook my head.

"If we are related, it is a thing I cannot help, though it is to my
shame," I answered him. "But I will have no more part nor lot with
you, were you the last of my kin left on earth. Do not suppose that,
because Marian is so far bewitched that she has forgiven you your
wicked treatment of her, I shall do the same. What are you now but a
traitor to your countrymen, and a spy in the service of a bloody
Indian tyrant? Rupert Gurney, I must tell you that I hold you for a
detestable villain and a coward, and I will pursue you without truce
and without rest till I have rid the earth of such a wretch. And I am
here now ready to begin."

My anger against him gathered and swelled as I spoke, recalling his
base actions, so different from his words. He immediately let me see
that his behaviour was not changed, for before I had well done
speaking he suddenly raised his pistol and discharged it in my face;
after which he turned and ran out through the doorway, without waiting
to see the result of his shot. To do my cousin justice, I believe he
had plenty of natural courage, being of the right Ford strain, as he
said. But after that great combat which we had in the boat off
Yarmouth river, he never faced me again without a certain reluctance
and blenching, as though his conscience misgave him.

I was very little hurt on this occasion, for the ball entered my
mouth sideways, merely depriving me of two teeth, and issuing