Black Donald then threw himself into a seat at the head of the
table, poured out a mug of ale, and invited his band to pledge him.
They gathered around the table, filled their mugs, pledged him
standing, and then resumed their seats to listen to the last words
of their chief.
Black Donald commenced and related the manner of his delverance by
Capitola; and then, taking from his bosom a bag of gold, he poured
it upon the table and divided it two into equal portions, one of
which he handed to "Headlong Hal," saying:
"There, Hal, take that and divide it among your companions, and
scatter to distant parts of the country, where you may yet have a
chance of earning an honest livelihood! As for me, I shall have to
quit the country altogether, and it will take nearly half this sum
to enable me to do it. Now I have not a minute more to give you! So
once more pledge your captain and away!"
The men filled their mugs, rose to their feet, and pledged their
leader in a parting toast and then:
"Good luck to you all!" exclaimed Black Donald, waving his hat
thrice above his head with a valedictory hurrah. And the next moment
he was gone!
That night, if any watchman had been on guard near the stables of
Hurricane Hall, he might have seen a tall man mounted upon
Capitola's pony, ride up in hot haste, dismount and pick the stable
lock, take Gyp by the bridle and lead him in, and presently return
leading out Fleetfoot, Old Hurricane's racer, upon which he mounted
and rode away.
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