“Speaking to my uncle, you mean,” said Kate, now much disturbed, for she saw in the captain’s eyes what he wished to talk of.

“Away with uncles!” he exclaimed; “we can speak with them by-and-bye; now my words are for you.  You may think me hasty, but we gentlemen serving the king cannot afford to wait; and so, without other pause, I say, sweet Mistress Kate, I love you, better than I have ever loved woman; better than I can ever love another.  Nay, do not answer; I must tell you everything before you reply.”  And to the pale girl he spoke of his family, his prospects, and his hopes.  In the warmest colours he laid before her the life and love he would give her.  Then he went quickly on:  “This is but a little matter which is given to my charge, and it may not engage me long; I am going out in search of a pirate, and I shall make short work of him.  The shorter, having such good reason to get quickly back.

“In fact, he is not a real pirate anyway, being but a country gentleman tiring of his rural life and liking better to rob, burn, and murder on the high seas.  He has already done so much damage, that if his evil career be not soon put an end to good people will be afraid to voyage in these waters.  So I am to sail in haste after this fellow Bonnet; but before—­”

Kate’s face had grown so white that it seemed to recede from her great eyes.  “He is my father,” said she, “but I had not heard until now that he is a pirate!”

The captain started from his chair.  “What!” he cried, “your father?  Yes, I see.  It did not strike me until this instant that the names are the same.”

Kate rose, and as she spoke her voice was not full and clear as it was wont to be.  “He is my father,” she said, “but he sailed away without telling me his errand; but now that I know everything, I must—­” If she had intended to say she must go, she changed her mind, and even came closer to the still astounded captain.  “You say that you will make short work of his vessel; do you mean that you will destroy it, and will you kill him?”

[Illustration:  “He is my father!” said Kate.]

Captain Vince looked down upon her, his face filled with the liveliest emotions.  “My dear young lady,” he said, and then he stopped as if not knowing what words to use.  But as he looked into her eyes fixed upon his own and waiting for his answer, his love for her took possession of him and banished all else.  “Kill him,” he exclaimed, “never!  He shall be as safe in my hands as if he were walking in his own fields.  Kill your father, dearest?  Loving you as I do, that would be impossible.  I may take the rascals who are with him, I may string them up to the yard-arm, or I may sink their pirate ship with all of them in it, but your father shall be safe.  Trust me for that; he shall come to no harm from me.”

She stepped a little way from him, and some of her colour came back.  For some moments she looked at him without speaking, as if she did not exactly comprehend what he had said.