"Is it possible to do nothing to redeem these poor people, father, from
captivity?" Eve at length demanded.

"I have been thinking of this, my child; but I see no other method than to
acquaint their government of their situation."

"Might we not contribute something from our own means to that effect?
Money, I fancy, is the chief thing necessary."

The gentlemen looked at each other in approbation, though a reluctance to
be the first to speak kept most of them silent.

"If a hundred pounds, Miss Effingham, will be useful," Sir George
Templemore said, after the pause had continued an awkward minute, laying a
banknote of that amount on the table, "and you will honour us by becoming
the keeper of the redemption money, I have great pleasure in making
the offer."

This was handsomely said, and as Captain Truck afterwards declared,
handsomely done too, though it was a little abrupt, and caused Eve to
hesitate and redden.

"I shall accept your gift, sir," she said; "and with your permission will
transfer it to Mr. Effingham, who will better know what use to put it to,
in order to effect our benevolent purpose. I think I can answer for as
much more from himself."

"You may, with certainty, my dear--and twice as much, if necessary. John,
this is a proper occasion for your interference."