y, you managed to get away, after all," he said, quite
coolly. "It is more than any one else has done for a long time, and
several have lost their lives in making the attempt, so you are
fortunate."

"That is not the matter about which I wish to speak to you," said Owen.
"You were treated well while under my command, and in return I ask you
to tell me how Captain O'Harrall behaved towards those he took from this
ship?"

"As to that, I know very little," answered Dillon. "We killed most of
the people, but the two old captains and the young lady were unhurt.
They did not look very happy at finding themselves prisoners, but in
other respects they had nothing to complain of, and they were allowed to
take their traps with them. And now, Captain Massey, let me ask you,
how do you happen to know that the real name of the pirate captain is
O'Harrall? He is generally called Bermudez among us."

"I knew him long before he took to his present evil courses," said Owen.
"I then hoped better things of him, and I will now ask why you are
ready to betray him."

"To save my own life, and to revenge myself for the way he has treated
me," answered Dillon. "He chose to consider me as his inferior, when I
am his equal in every respect. Has it never occurred to you, Owen
Massey, who I am? I will tell you, for I care not who knows it. I am
Brian O'Harrall's younger brother Michael, whom you also once knew. Our
family ousted yours; and as I conclude that neither of us is very likely
to return to Ireland, and we are the last of our race, you may possibly
manage to recover the property. If Brian is killed, I may perhaps
assist you, and if you will promise me a sufficient recompense I am
ready to do so."

From what the pirate said, Owen had no doubt that he was the person he
represented himself to be; still he hesitated about entering into any
engagement with a villain of his stamp.

"I must consider the subject," he answered; "much must depend upon the
success of our undertaking. Should Captain Tracy and his daughter be
rescued by your means from your brother's hands, whatever your motive, I
shall be more deeply indebted to you than I should feel were you to
assist in restoring the property of which your family deprived my
father. Indeed, I cannot understand how you can be instrumental in
doing that. In the mean time I can make no promise with regard to the
matter."

The subject the man Dillon, or rather Michael O'Harrall,