Rose burst into tears, and then succeeded many minutes, during which Mulford was endeavouring, with manly tenderness, to soothe her.  As soon as our heroine recovered her self-command, she began to discuss the matter at issue between them more coolly.  For half an hour everything was urged by each that feeling, affection, delicacy, or distrust of Spike could well urge, and Mulford was slowly getting the best of the argument, as well he might, the truth being mostly of his side.  Rose was bewildered, really feeling a strong reluctance to quit her aunt, even with so justifiable a motive, but principally shrinking from the appearance of going off alone in a boat, and almost in the open sea, with Mulford.  Had she loved Harry less, her scruples might not have been so active, but the consciousness of the strength of her attachment, as well as her fixed intention to become his wife the moment it was in her power to give him her hand with the decencies of her sex, contributed strangely to prevent her yielding to the young man’s reasoning.  On the subject of the aunt, the mate made out so good a case, that it was apparent to all in the boat Rose would have to abandon that ground of refusal.  Spike had no object to gain by ill-treating Mrs. Budd; and the probability certainly was that he would get rid of her as soon as he could, and in the most easy manner.  This was so apparent to all, that Harry had little difficulty in getting Rose to assent to its probability.  But there remained the reluctance to go off alone with the mate in a boat.  This part of the subject was more difficult to manage than the other; and Mulford betrayed as much by the awkwardness with which he managed it.  At length the discussion was brought to a close by Jack Tier suddenly saying,—­

“Yonder is the brig; and we are heading for her as straight as if she was the pole, and the keel of this boat was a compass.  I see how it is, Miss Rose, and a’ter all, I must give in.  I suppose some other opportunity will offer for me to get on board of the brig ag’in, and I’ll trust to that.  If you won’t go off with the mate alone, I suppose you’ll not refuse to go off in my company.”

“Will you accompany us, Jack?  This is more than I had hoped for!  Yes, Harry, if Jack Tier will be of the party, I will trust my aunt to Biddy, and go with you to Key West, in order to escape from Spike.”

This was said so rapidly, and so unexpectedly, as to take Mulford completely by surprise.  Scarce believing what he heard, the young man was disposed, at first, to feel hurt, though a moment’s reflection showed him that he ought to rejoice in the result let the cause be what it might.

“More than I had hoped for!” he could not refrain from repeating a little bitterly; “is Jack Tier, then, of so much importance, that his company is thought preferable to mine!”

“Hush, Harry!” said Rose, laying her hand on Mulford’s arm, by way of strengthening her appeal.  “Do not say that.  You are ignorant of circumstances; at another time you shall know them, but not now.  Let it be enough for the present, that I promise to accompany you if Jack will be of our party.”