"'No, no, William,' she cried, 'I must not, I cannot! Dearest, most generous of men, do not _pity_ me, or I shall wither in your sight. Look on me as you were wont. But, oh! let me not stand before you as a beggar. Keep it--as you love me, keep it--make me not ashamed to look in your face.' "'Then take it, Jack, take it,' said Stanley, handing him the note; 'do with it as I desire. Say nothing more now; for here comes our Boatswain Rigby, the curse of our ship's crew, and the disgrace of the service.' "Mary shuddered as Rigby approached them; and boisterously said--'Who have you got there, fellow, and you upon duty? I shall report you instantly. Some of your old friends, and meditating an escape with them, I see.' And, turning to Jenkins, he added--'Who, sir, gave you permission to come on board this vessel, and to bring _a woman of that description_ along with you? Off, instantly, or I shall detain you too. You, girl, must remain;' and he approached her familiarly to take her by the arm. Stanley sprang forward, exclaiming--'Hold, sir, hold! You have insulted her by your words; but touch not, as you would remain a living man, the hem of her garment.' "'Begone to your duty, presumptuous slave!' cried the boatswain fiercely; 'begone!' And as he spoke, he raised his hand, and struck him on the breast. "'Again!--ha!--ha!--ha!' exclaimed William, like a demon laughing through excess of torture; 'twice you have struck me, Rigby, to-day!--struck me in the presence of her who is dearer to me than life! Now, heaven have mercy on thee!' And, seizing the boatswain by the breast, he hurled him violently on the deck, and planted his foot upon his bosom. "'William!--dear William!' cried Mary; 'forbear!--forbear!' "'Bill, Bill, my dear fellow!' cried Jack, 'don't lose your life for the sake of a ruffian.' "William continued standing with his foot upon his breast, laughing in the same wild and fearful manner, and shouting--'struck me!' while Rigby called for help. A number of the ship's crew sprang forward to the rescue of the boatswain, who, rising, cried--'The irons instantly! Set a double watch over him! He has attempted, as ye have witnessed, the life of an officer, and his first promotion shall be the yard-arm.' "While they were placing the irons upon him, Mary threw herself at Rigby's feet, exclaiming--'Oh, spare him!--save the life of my William!--by her that bore you, or that loves you, save him!--save him!' "'Rise, Mary!' cried William, 'that our farewell glance be not one of reproach. Pray for vengeance on my enemy! Farewell, Jack--for ever this time! See my Mary safe!' And, as they were bearing him away, he turned his head towards her, and cried--'Dearest, we shall meet hereafter, where the villain and the tyrant cannot enter.' "She fell insensible on the deck, and, in a state of unconsciousness, was conveyed on shore by Jenkins.