“That’s something,” said Campbell.  “I do not say it is impossible, or even very improbable, that she may be the mother; and if you will assure me, on your honour, of what you heard, I will have a little speculative peculation on Cameron.”

“I can swear; and if I couldn’t, do you think I would have bet so high, as in the event of losing I should be ruined?”

“I’m content,” said Campbell.  “Ho, there, Cameron!  I will back Dewhurst on the maternity for ten.”

“That will just pay Nightingale,” replied Cameron.  “I accept.  Now for the grand denouement.  Let us accost the arbitress of our fortunes.”

“Not yet,” said Hamilton.  “Wait till she gets to the lighthouse, where there are people.  It is clear she has not a good opinion of us, and in this solitary place she might get alarmed.”

Hanging back to wait their opportunity, now upon the verge of a decision which might be attended with disastrous results to some of them, the whole four appeared absorbed in anxiety.  Not a word was spoken; and it seemed possible that, during these trying minutes, a hint would have broken up the imprudent and dangerous compact.  The terror of the club was before them, and the false honour which ruled them, in place of obedience to their fathers, and humanity to dumb creatures, retained the ascendency.  So has it ever been with the worship of false gods:  their exactions have always been in proportion to the folly and credulity of their votaries.  The moment was approaching.  The die was to carry formidable issues.  Dark shadows broke in through the resolution to be brave, as might have been observed in the features of both the principals.  At length Campbell took the lead.  They approached the lady, who at first seemed to shrink from them as monsters.

“We beg pardon,” he said.  “Be assured, madam, we have not the most distant intention to offend you.  The truth is, that we have a bet among us as to whether you are the mother of this fine boy.  We assure you, moreover, that it was the sport of betting that sought out the subject, and the nature of that subject cannot, we presume, be prejudicial either to your honour or your feelings.  While I ask your pardon, allow me to add that the wager, foolish or not, is to be decided by your answer—­yes or no.”

“No.”

After pronouncing, with a severe sternness, this monosyllable, she paused a little; and looking round upon the youths with a seriousness and dignity that sat upon her so well that they shrunk from her glance, she added, with a corresponding solemnity—­

“Would to God, who sees all things—­ay, and punishes all those who are cruel to the creatures He has formed with feelings suitable to their natures, and dear to them as ours are to us—­that he who bet upon my being the mother of this boy may be he who tortured the unoffending bird!”