Book,  chapter

  1    2,    7|              end of the table.~“You, Ayrton!” replied his master, not
  2    2,    7|             Yes, it was I,” rejoined Ayrton in a firm tone, though somewhat
  3    2,    7|             O’Moore had addressed as AYRTON. He was a coarse-looking
  4    2,    7|           question put by the Major, Ayrton replied:~“When I was swept
  5    2,    7|            then, my Lord,” continued Ayrton, “I might justly say, If
  6    2,    7|              too much engrossed with Ayrton to listen to anyone else.
  7    2,    7|              should not the captain? Ayrton was quite sanguine as to
  8    2,    7|            to ask themselves if this Ayrton’s word was to be absolutely
  9    2,    7|              convinced when he heard Ayrton speak to the young girl
 10    2,    7|          soft voice: “Oh, go on, Mr. Ayrton, tell us more about our
 11    2,    7|             utter remained unspoken.~Ayrton gave an account of the BRITANNIA’
 12    2,    7|         dashed violently against it. Ayrton was swept off by a wave,
 13    2,    7|              Twofold Bay.~This ended Ayrton’s recital, and more than
 14    2,    7|      exchange for his labor.~“And if Ayrton speaks well of me,” said
 15    2,    7|         Moore’s house shall be his.”~Ayrton thanked him by a gesture,
 16    2,    7|     profiting by this rencontre with Ayrton, and by the information
 17    2,    7|           BRITANNIA?”~“Yes,” replied Ayrton, without the least hesitation.~
 18    2,    7|               My Lord, you may trust Ayrton; I vouch for his being an
 19    2,    7|             was to certify that “Tom Ayrton, able-bodied seaman, was
 20    2,    7|            be the least doubt now of Ayrton’s identity, for it would
 21    2,    7|             to be done. Your advice, Ayrton, will be particularly valuable,
 22    2,    7|              a few minutes’ thought, Ayrton replied—“I thank you, my
 23    2,    7|             think with you,” resumed Ayrton, “that the captain and his
 24    2,    7|            nonplussed.~“And you, Mr. Ayrton,” said Lady Helena at last, “
 25    2,    7|            you do?”~“Madam,” replied Ayrton, readily enough, “I should
 26    2,    7|             been injured then?” said Ayrton.~“Yes,” replied Mangles.~“
 27    2,    7|            But the DUNCAN?” repeated Ayrton, as if particularly anxious
 28    2,    8|         principal point.~Besides, if Ayrton consented to join them and
 29    2,    8|              objection to his asking Ayrton to accompany them, for he
 30    2,    8|      excellent servant.~“Well, then, Ayrton, will you come with us in
 31    2,    8|              our search expedition?”~Ayrton did not reply immediately.
 32    2,    8|           his ship struck.”~“Thanks, Ayrton.”~“One question, my Lord.”~“
 33    2,    8|             then, my Lord.”~“I will, Ayrton.”~The quartermaster was
 34    2,    8|          arranging a rendezvous with Ayrton, and ordering him to procure
 35    2,    8|             to give their best help. Ayrton was there, and gave the
 36    2,    8|           such a team by a goad; but Ayrton had served his apprenticeship
 37    2,    8|             accompany their captain. Ayrton’s place was, of course,
 38    2,    8|             visit of Lord Glenarvan. Ayrton thought proper to go too,
 39    2,    8|        maple-wood of the upper deck. Ayrton’s approbation was much less
 40    2,    8|          evident from his questions. Ayrton concluded his investigations
 41    2,    8|             I am far out,” continued Ayrton, “in judging her speed at
 42    2,    8|              Even at sailing?” asked Ayrton.~“Even at sailing.”~“Well,
 43    2,    8|              too, captain,” returned Ayrton, “allow a sailor who knows
 44    2,    8|          Stay on board of her, then, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan; “it rests
 45    2,    8|             of it, my Lord,” was all Ayrton’s reply.~Just then M. Olbinett
 46    2,    8|          guests to the saloon.~“That Ayrton is an intelligent man,”
 47    2,    8|    quartermaster.~During the dinner, Ayrton gave some interesting details
 48    2,    8|                 Not at all,” replied Ayrton, quickly.~“Well then, we’
 49    2,    8|           must not lessen her crew.”~Ayrton said nothing more, as if
 50    2,    8|          Scotch and Irish separated. Ayrton and Paddy O’Moore and family
 51    2,    8|           them which took her fancy. Ayrton, goad in hand, stood waiting
 52    2,    8|            the reserved compartment. Ayrton seated himself in front,
 53    2,    8|     revolvers, mounted their horses. Ayrton gave a peculiar cry, and
 54    2,    9|         above a two days’ march, and Ayrton reckoned on their sleeping
 55    2,   10|              of an explanation, when Ayrton cut short all his conjectures
 56    2,   10|            but cross over they must. Ayrton looked about for a practicable
 57    2,   10|          them straight.”~“Very well, Ayrton; I can trust you.”~The horsemen
 58    2,   10|          animals and the prudence of Ayrton, who directed the team.
 59    2,   10|             the oscillating vehicle. Ayrton devoted himself to his task
 60    2,   10|             knowing what to do, till Ayrton proposed he should go to
 61    2,   10|              fifteen hours,” replied Ayrton, “but not longer.”~“Start
 62    2,   11|      apprehension that the Major saw Ayrton quit the Wimerra camp to
 63    2,   11|               his only fear was lest Ayrton should return alone. If
 64    2,   11|      eagerness to attain his object.~Ayrton luckily had lost neither
 65    2,   11|          than you do, captain,” said Ayrton. “But we shall see.”~The
 66    2,   11|            McNabbs pointed it out to Ayrton.~“It is the Black-Point
 67    2,   11|              important municipality. Ayrton was for passing outside
 68    2,   11|            of information solely for Ayrton’s ear. The little procession
 69    2,   12|          camp for the night at once. Ayrton unfastened the bullocks
 70    2,   13|      catastrophe on the railway made Ayrton take sundry precautions,
 71    2,   13|              time to time a cry from Ayrton to stir up his lazy team,
 72    2,   13|             taken for the night, and Ayrton, Mulrady, Wilson and John
 73    2,   13|            are they arrested?” asked Ayrton, eagerly.~“No,” replied
 74    2,   13|             much the worse,” replied Ayrton.~“Well,” said Glenarvan, “
 75    2,   13|                I should like to hear Ayrton’s.”~At this direct appeal,
 76    2,   13|                 And good advice too, Ayrton,” replied Paganel. “By going
 77    2,   13|            one thing, my Lord,” said Ayrton, when they were about to
 78    2,   13|          about to separate.~“Say on, Ayrton.”~“Wouldn’t it be advisable
 79    2,   13|             wait.”~“All right,” said Ayrton, and forbore to press the
 80    2,   14|           camp there the same night. Ayrton goaded on his team, and
 81    2,   14|             were left to the care of Ayrton and the sailors.~Hottam
 82    2,   14|            befell his quartermaster, Ayrton,” said John Mangles.~“But
 83    2,   14|              opinions of Paganel and Ayrton.~The conversation turned
 84    2,   14|         roads were too well watched. Ayrton had said this too.~Glenarvan
 85    2,   15|              unexpected jolts, which Ayrton with all his skill could
 86    2,   15|              certainty of an outlet. Ayrton would doubtless have found
 87    2,   15|               Glenarvan, followed by Ayrton, entered the inn forthwith.
 88    2,   15|              make the route clear to Ayrton, and that was all that was
 89    2,   15|               No more do I,” replied Ayrton.~They went back to the wagon,
 90    2,   15|             back, and more than once Ayrton had to reinforce his bullocks
 91    2,   15|         animal was found to be dead. Ayrton examined it immediately,
 92    2,   15|      Glenarvan.~“Evidently,” replied Ayrton.~“Take my horse, Mulrady,”
 93    2,   15|   Consequently if the pass chosen by Ayrton came out on the eastern
 94    2,   15|              wilds of Gippsland, and Ayrton urged Lord Glenarvan to
 95    2,   15|             he would have yielded to Ayrton’s arguments, if the Major
 96    2,   15|      maintained that the presence of Ayrton was necessary to the expedition,
 97    2,   15|       Twofold Bay. The Major watched Ayrton narrowly, and noticed his
 98    2,   15|          interrupted by the cries of Ayrton urging on his burdened team.~
 99    2,   15|              strike no more victims. Ayrton agreed with him, but was
100    2,   15|            behind a gentle eminence. Ayrton turned his team a little
101    2,   15|           stuck in the mud,” replied Ayrton.~He tried to stimulate the
102    2,   15|             be the best place,” said Ayrton. “We shall see by daylight
103    2,   15|              much to complain about.~Ayrton succeeded, though with some
104    2,   16|            the soft ground. Mulrady, Ayrton and Mangles went several
105    2,   16|             be quick, then,” replied Ayrton.~Glenarvan, his two sailors,
106    2,   16|           sailors, John Mangles, and Ayrton went off at once into the
107    2,   16|       gum-trees was sharply defined. Ayrton was astonished not to discover
108    2,   16|            saw no signs of them, and Ayrton returned to the banks of
109    2,   16|              Glenarvan, Mulrady, and Ayrton darted after him, and speedily
110    2,   16|     difficulty controlling himself. “Ayrton, bring away the bullock
111    2,   16|         uneasy at our long absence.”~Ayrton removed the hobbles from
112    2,   16|            disaster.~“Upon my honor, Ayrton,” the Major could not help
113    2,   16|          Wimerra.”~“Why, sir?” asked Ayrton.~“Because out of all our
114    2,   16|          went up to the wagon, which Ayrton was examining.~“What was
115    2,   16|           must have suspicions about Ayrton.”~“Suspicions!” exclaimed
116    2,   16|             for what purpose? Is not Ayrton’s interest identical with
117    2,   16|         toward the wagon.~They found Ayrton and the two sailors doing
118    2,   16|        attempt such a task.~However, Ayrton, who was for conquering
119    2,   16|              him by saying: “Enough, Ayrton, enough. We must husband
120    2,   16|               And the DUNCAN?” asked Ayrton. “Don’t you think it advisable
121    2,   16|              or five days!” repeated Ayrton, shaking his head; “say
122    2,   16|              that’s not quick work.”~Ayrton had spoken in a firm tone,
123    2,   16|                 I have to add,” said Ayrton, “that the principal difficulties
124    2,   16|                I think not,” replied Ayrton. “This morning I was looking
125    2,   16|            and deep, Madam,” replied Ayrton; “a mile wide, with an impetuous
126    2,   16|             What do you think of it, Ayrton?” asked Glenarvan seriously.~“
127    2,   16|             means of getting there?”~Ayrton waited an instant before
128    2,   16|           silent.~“That is no reply, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan. “Tell
129    2,   16|             What is it you propose?”~Ayrton replied in a calm tone of
130    2,   16|    opposition.~“Meantime,” continued Ayrton, “either the river will
131    2,   16|         Lordship’s approval.”~“Well, Ayrton,” replied Glenarvan, “your
132    2,   16|              it you frankly. I think Ayrton has spoken wisely and well,
133    2,   16|             been strongly opposed to Ayrton’s project. Ayrton himself
134    2,   16|         opposed to Ayrton’s project. Ayrton himself was surprised, and
135    2,   16|               On horseback,” replied Ayrton. “There is one horse sound
136    2,   16|          Major nodded approvingly as Ayrton spoke, to the profound astonishment
137    2,   16|     intrusted with the business; but Ayrton, who had been silent till
138    2,   16|      objection, that the presence of Ayrton was necessary to discover
139    2,   16|             Snowy till the return of Ayrton, that they had no idea of
140    2,   16|              s interests.~“Well, go, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan. “Be as
141    2,   16|             felt his old distrust of Ayrton revive.~The quartermaster
142    2,   16|          singular tone, how he wrote Ayrton’s name.~“Why, as it is pronounced,
143    2,   16|           quietly. “He pronounces it AYRTON, but he writes it Ben Joyce!”~
144    2,   17|       UNVEILED~THE revelation of Tom Ayrton’s name was like a clap of
145    2,   17|              like a clap of thunder. Ayrton had started up quickly and
146    2,   17|           had McNabbs found out that Ayrton and Ben Joyce were one and
147    2,   17|             is a very devil, is this Ayrton.’ ‘Call him Ben Joyce, for
148    2,   17|              thinking over it.~“Then Ayrton has dragged us here,” said
149    2,   17|            he had stolen the name of Ayrton and the shipping papers.”~
150    2,   17|             the man’s name is really Ayrton. Ben Joyce is his nom de
151    2,   17|           minute details given us by Ayrton, and are corroborated by
152    2,   17|            certain that Ben Joyce is Ayrton, and that Ayrton is Ben
153    2,   17|            Joyce is Ayrton, and that Ayrton is Ben Joyce; that is to
154    2,   17|         police are not even aware of Ayrton’s identity with Ben Joyce,”
155    2,   17|           her lips.~The discovery of Ayrton’s treachery had destroyed
156    2,   17|              were going to do before Ayrton’s treachery is still more
157    2,   17|             t stay long as they are; Ayrton only asked a week’s absence
158    3,    1|         presumed scene of the wreck. Ayrton had certainly been quartermaster
159    3,   16|               No, by a sailor called Ayrton, a quartermaster on the
160    3,   16|             on the BRITANNIA.”~“Yes, Ayrton or Ben Joyce, one and the
161    3,   16|      impossible, I was not mistaken. Ayrton read the letter as I did,
162    3,   16|              the Australian coast.”~“Ayrton!” cried Glenarvan.~“Yes,
163    3,   16|               cried Glenarvan.~“Yes, Ayrton himself. He insisted it
164    3,   16|             heard our destination—”~“Ayrton!” cried Glenarvan. “Then
165    3,   16|          board?”~“Yes, your Honor.”~“Ayrton here?” repeated Glenarvan,
166    3,   16|             instant, like lightning, Ayrton’s conduct, his long-planned
167    3,   16|           imprisoned?”~“Because when Ayrton heard the vessel was going
168    3,   16|           table and spoke no more of Ayrton.~But after the meal was
169    3,   16|             profound silence.~“Bring Ayrton here,” said Glenarvan.~
170    3,   17|                         CHAPTER XVII AYRTON’S OBSTINACY~AYRTON came.
171    3,   17|              XVII AYRTON’S OBSTINACY~AYRTON came. He crossed the deck
172    3,   17|      questions calmly and silently.~“Ayrton,” said Glenarvan, “here
173    3,   17|      Glenarvan waited patiently. But Ayrton persisted in keeping absolute
174    3,   17|            absolute silence.~“Speak, Ayrton, what have you to say?”
175    3,   17|             say?” resumed Glenarvan.~Ayrton hesitated, the wrinkles
176    3,   17|    concerning the mysterious life of Ayrton, especially those which
177    3,   17|    irritation against him.~“I think, Ayrton,” he went on, “that you
178    3,   17|             all, ought I to call you Ayrton or Ben Joyce? Are you, or
179    3,   17|     quartermaster of the BRITANNIA?”~Ayrton remained impassive, gazing
180    3,   17|        impassibility.~“Listen to me, Ayrton,” continued Glenarvan; “
181    3,   17|              reply to my questions?”~Ayrton turned his head toward Glenarvan,
182    3,   17|             Easy, my Lord,” repeated Ayrton, in a mocking tone. “Your
183    3,   17|          proof to the contrary, I am Ayrton, quartermaster of the BRITANNIA.”~
184    3,   17|     quartermaster of the BRITANNIA.”~Ayrton had become animated while
185    3,   17|          commenced again, and said:~“Ayrton, I am not a Crown prosecutor
186    3,   17|          have lost. Will you speak?”~Ayrton shook his head like a man
187    3,   17|                No, my Lord,” replied Ayrton.~“Will you tell me where
188    3,   17|             the one nor the other.”~“Ayrton,” said Glenarvan, in almost
189    3,   17|              you to speak the word?”~Ayrton hesitated. His features
190    3,   17|             added in a grave voice:~“Ayrton, there is neither judge
191    3,   17|            could make no way against Ayrton’s obstinacy, what was to
192    3,   17|          break his silence. This was Ayrton. There was no doubt the
193    3,   17|          threats were alike useless. Ayrton’s obstinacy was so great,
194    3,   17|            about Harry Grant.~But if Ayrton knew nothing, why did he
195    3,   17|              this information out of Ayrton.~Lady Helena, seeing her
196    3,   17|              day (the 5th of March), Ayrton was conducted to Lady Helena’
197    3,   17|          unknown; but when they left Ayrton, they did not seem to have
198    3,   17|          Very well, dear Helena. Let Ayrton come immediately.”~Lady
199    3,   18|           You wanted to speak to me, Ayrton?” said Glenarvan.~“Yes,
200    3,   18|             For whom?”~“For myself.”~Ayrton spoke quite calmly and firmly.
201    3,   18|           place at the saloon table.~Ayrton collected himself, for an
202    3,   18|             Glenarvan, accustomed to Ayrton’s ways, exhibited no surprise,
203    3,   18|             he said.~“This,” replied Ayrton. “You wish to obtain from
204    3,   18|            What are the advantages?”~Ayrton bowed in token that he understood
205    3,   18|          English authorities?”~“Yes, Ayrton, it is only justice.”~“I
206    3,   18|           compelled him to say:~“No, Ayrton, I cannot set you at liberty.”~“
207    3,   18|             reflection, he replied:~“Ayrton, if I agree to your request,
208    3,   18|                 I will trust to you, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan, simply.~“
209    3,   18|       getting away from the island.”~Ayrton had an answer for everything.
210    3,   18|              on your honor.”~“Speak, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan.~“My Lord,
211    3,   18|             or other, this avowal of Ayrton, and surrender of himself,
212    3,   18|              I accept your proposal, Ayrton. I give you my word to land
213    3,   18|                Tell us all you know, Ayrton, and begin by declaring
214    3,   18|           are.”~“Gentlemen,” replied Ayrton, “I am really Tom Ayrton,
215    3,   18|             Ayrton, “I am really Tom Ayrton, the quartermaster of the
216    3,   18|              the Major, interrupting Ayrton in his narrative. “Then
217    3,   18|          from your recital.”~“Go on, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan.~“I found
218    3,   18|             servant in my real name, Ayrton. I waited there till I should
219    3,   18|              that very day,” replied Ayrton.~“And do you know what projects
220    3,   18|             I do.”~“Say all you can, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan, “the least
221    3,   18|            the quartermaster.~“Well, Ayrton,” said Glenarvan, “you have
222    3,   18|            little, my Lord,” replied Ayrton.~“Return to your cabin,”
223    3,   18|           had scarcely spoken during Ayrton’s examination. He listened
224    3,   18|            only speak to-day because Ayrton’s opinion just supports
225    3,   19|          Grant by the revelations of Ayrton, and it caused profound
226    3,   19|             to select the island for Ayrton’s banishment.~Paganel and
227    3,   19|        little out-of-the-way island. Ayrton was informed of its situation,
228    3,   19|              of McNabbs. “I promised Ayrton his life, and I mean to
229    3,   20|           informed Harry Grant about Ayrton. Grant confirmed the quartermaster’
230    3,   20|             better mind!”~But before Ayrton was transferred, Harry Grant
231    3,   20|              pitied, that scoundrel, Ayrton!” he exclaimed, enthusiastically. “
232    3,   20| disembarkation of the quartermaster. Ayrton was brought up on the poop,
233    3,   20|          with Harry Grant.~“It is I, Ayrton!” said Grant~“Yes, it is
234    3,   20|            is you, captain,” replied Ayrton, without the least sign
235    3,   20|             good health.”~“It seems, Ayrton, that I made a mistake in
236    3,   20|            repentance!”~“Amen,” said Ayrton, calmly.~Glenarvan then
237    3,   20|            is still your wish, then, Ayrton, to be left behind?”~“Yes,
238    3,   20|             listen to my last words, Ayrton. You will be cut off here
239    3,   20|  recollection. I know where you are, Ayrton; I know where to find you—
240    3,   20|            keep your Honor,” was all Ayrton’s reply.~These were the
241    3,   20|               The boat was ready and Ayrton got into it.~John Mangles
242    3,   20|           John Mangles, turned away. Ayrton, who remained standing,
243    3,   20|           silence.~On reaching land, Ayrton jumped on the sandy shore,