The Steam-Packet: A Tale of the River and the Ocean — page 359: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

| ‘te... 278 THE STEAM PACKET. ** T consider—I see nothing—I know nothing,” answered the young lady, ‘‘save the infamous cheat you have practised upon me; and I wish to have no farther communication with you.” Buckram was about to try his powers of persuasion once more, when the door flew open, and Captain Pentonville entered the room, Be- linda uttered a ery of joy, and flew towards him for protection. “What does this mean? how dare you interfere with me?” de- manded the tailor, attempting to assume a bullying air. ‘“* My good fellow,” said Pentonville, very coolly, ““you know the warning I gave you, and the determination to which I had come: Your insolent swaggering will have no effect upon me: advance to- wards this lady or me with any hostile intention, and I will level you in a moment with the butt of my riding-whip.” ‘““Qh! you are come in time to save me!” ejaculated Belinda. “This odious man has confessed the fraud he has practised ; and instead of a nobleman with a large estate i: ‘“‘ He has revealed himself, then?” interrupted the captain. ‘‘ Miss. Belinda, I must confess that I was a party—more or less unwillingly —to that deceit : but you need fear no treachery at my hands. This moment will I return with you to Boulogne, where I shall make such, statements to your father as will doubtless induce him to forgive me. I had written a full account of all the circumstances of this imposture ; but the letter has been lost. I shall therefore make the communica- tion orally; and you can testify that I have announced to you that such is my intention.” ‘*It is very easy to assume to yourself the credit of having deter- mined to reveal every thing, when you find that I have done it for you,” said Buckram doggedly. ‘¢Oh! I know not what I hear—I cannot believe that you were a party to this man’s fraud,’”’ exclaimed Belinda. ‘‘ But I shall suspend all judgment until you see my father; provided you restore me to him without delay.” “Miss Pifpaf, you may confide in me,” said the naa af ‘a tone of dignified composure. “* Perhaps, considering the delicacy of your as it would be as well to obtain the companionship of some female.” Belinda thanked him with a glance: he accordingly rang-the bell, and questioned the landlord. ‘This individual uttered a great deal about calling females out of their beds at that hour (it being now mid- night), and at length agreed that his eldest daughter should undertake the duty proposed. ‘This arrangement being made, the captain once more addressed himself to Mr. Buckram. Gomichooks: co