our, if yer are going to spare the captin's life, I
have no objection at all at all to live a little longer," answered Dan--
still, however, keeping his cutlass ready to defend himself.

"And I'se too glad to 'cept your offer!" cried Pompey, who also wisely
stood on his guard.

"Let no one touch them, or the boy there," said the pirate, pointing to
Tim Maloney, who, though he had done his part, had now got behind Dan
and Pompey.

A dizziness had come over Owen's eyes as he fell, but now looking up, he
caught sight of the pirate gazing at him. Their eyes met.

"Owen Massey," said the pirate, taking his hand; "I know you and
remember my promise." He pointed to the ring which Owen wore upon his
finger.

"O'Harrall!" exclaimed Owen. "Is it possible that you are the leader of
such men?"

"It is fortunate for you that I am their leader," answered O'Harrall,
helping Owen to rise. "Were I not, you would have shared the fate of
your crew. I will protect you and the three survivors, although it will
be no easy matter to do so."

"I accept your offer, and trust that you will keep your word regarding
my men," answered Owen.

More he could not say, for his feelings overpowered him, as looking
round he saw his two mates stretched dead on the deck, and the rest of
the men who had remained faithful to him weltering in their blood not
far off. Though bruised from his fall, he was not otherwise hurt, nor
were either Dan, Pompey, or Tim wounded.

"The safest place for you and these three men is your own cabin," said
O'Harrall. "Go in there with them, and I will place a sentry at the
door. I cannot trust my own people, and still less the fellows who
turned traitors to you."

Owen, fully agreeing that O'Harrall was right, followed his advice. As
he was going below, he saw Routh approaching O'Harrall. After gazing at
each other for a moment, they shook hands. Owen, on seeing the two
together, no longer wondered that he should have mistaken one for the
other, so great was the likeness.

"They must be brothers, and the man who calls himself Routh is the
younger, of whom my mother has spoken to me," he thought.

Thankful to have escaped with his life, more for his mother's and
Norah's sake than his own, Owen Massey, sad and almost broken-hearted at
the loss of the ship, threw himself into a chair in his cabin, Dan,
Pompey, and Tim standing round him.

"Cheer up, Cappen Massey; tings when dey come to de wust begin to