"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.