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.