As some of our fair readers may be a little prudish, or exacting of
character, and as we are peculiarly sensitive of the reputation some
of the characters embodied in this history should bear to the very
end, we deem it prudent here not to disclose the nature of the
little forgery which was perpetrated at Blowers' expense, nor the
means by which it was so cleverly carried out, to the release of the
fair captives, who must now be got out of the city. Should we, in
the performance of this very desirable duty, fail to please the
reader's taste for hair-breadth escapes, unnatural heroism, and
sublime disinterestedness, an excuse may be found in our lack of
soul to appreciate those virtues of romance. We have no taste for
breathless suspenses, no love of terror: we deal not in tragedy, nor
traffic in dramatic effects. But as the simplest strategy is often
the most successful of results, so did it prove in this particular
case; for, be it known, that on the morning of the twenty-fourth of
March,--, was Molly Hardweather's suggestion adopted and
effectually carried out, to the gratification of sundry interested
persons. Calm and bright was that morning; Charleston harbour and
its pretty banks seemed radiant of loveliness: the phantom-like
Maggy Bell, with mainsail and jib spread motionless in the air,
swung gently at anchor midway the stream; and Dame Hardweather sat
in the dingy cabin, her little chubby face beaming contentment as
she nursed the "t'other twin.
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