But Mr. Ellis returned
his looks of anger glance for glance. Miriam was in terror at this
unexpected scene, and trembled like an aspen. Instinctively she
shrank towards her uncle.
Two or three persons, who sat near, were attracted by the excitement
visible in the manner of all three, although they heard nothing that
was said. Burton saw that they were observed, and, bending towards
Mr. Ellis, said--
"This, sir, is no place for a scene. A hundred eyes will soon be
upon us."
"More than one pair of which," replied Mr. Ellis, promptly, "will
recognise in you a noted gambler, who has at least one wife living,
if no more."
As if stung by a serpent, Burton started to his feet and retired
from the cabin.
"Oh, uncle! can what you say of this man be true?" asked Miriam,
with a blanching face.
"Too true, my dear child! too true! He is one of the worst of men.
Thank God that you have escaped the snare of the fowler!"
"Yes, thank God! thank God!" came trembling from the lips of the
maiden.
Mr. Ellis then drew his niece to a part of the cabin where they
could converse without being overheard by other passengers on board
of the boat.
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