mend,
dey say," observed Pompey, anxious to console his beloved master. "As
de pirate sabe our lives, he set us free p'raps, and den we go back to
Jamacee and you get oder ship."

"Bad luck to the pirates for taking us, though!" exclaimed Dan. "It's
my belafe we should have bate them off, if it hadn't been for that thafe
of the world, Routh, and the other villains. By the powers! if I ever
get the chance, I'll make him repint his treachery; but as you have
escaped, captin dear, the rest matthers but little to my mind in
comparison."

Owen thanked his followers for their kind expressions towards him, but
he severely felt the loss of his mates and the rest of the crew, besides
that of his ship, while he could not look forward with much hope to the
future. He was very doubtful, also, how O'Harrall might treat him. He
knew too well the savage and lawless character of the man, who, though
he had saved his life, might at any moment, in a fit of passion, turn
upon him and his other prisoners; and although he might withhold his
hand from killing him, would without compunction put the others to
death. For the present, however, their lives were probably safe; and
Owen resolved to follow the pirate's advice and remain in the cabin
until summoned to leave it. He could judge by the sounds on deck that
the pirate crew were engaged in repairing the damages the _Ouzel Galley_
had received. After this he heard the order given to make sail, and he
found by a small compass in the cabin that the ship was standing to the
eastward.

After some time O'Harrall himself entered the cabin. "I was compelled
to take your ship, Massey," he said, "and now I have got her I am
equally obliged to keep her; but I repeat to you that your life and the
lives of the two Irishmen are safe, provided you remain below. The
black runs no risk from my people, and he may go on deck and make
himself useful. He will act as your steward, and bring you your meals
while you remain on board. I intend to take command of the _Ouzel
Galley_, so that I shall be able to look after you till you are put on
shore."

Owen was not inclined, it may be supposed, for conversation; while
O'Harrall had matters to attend to on deck. He therefore, having sent
Pompey there, soon left the cabin. After some time the black returned
with a substantial meal, which he had prepared by O'Harrall's orders.

Night came on, and the ship still continued her course. Owen's only
h