y were not likely to have any scruple as to how they might treat him.
He was left for some time on the ground, though he heard people
speaking in low voices some way from him. Their voices grew louder and
louder. At last he heard one say--

"We must not keep him here; the sooner he is aboard the better."

Shortly afterwards he was again lifted and placed on his legs. Several
strong arms dragged him along, and he felt the prick of a cutlass in his
back driving him forward when he attempted to resist. He was dragged
down a steep path.

"I know all about it now," he thought. "That was the mill where they
kept me, and now they are going to take me aboard the lugger, and maybe
heave me overboard when they get into deep water. Poor father and
mother, I care for them more than any one else; May will think little
about me, I fear, and if it was not for my parents I should not care
what becomes of me."

All doubt of the matter was at an end when Jacob felt his feet pressing
the sand.

"If I once get on board I shall have no chance," he thought, and again
he made a desperate effort to free himself. In doing so the bandage was
torn off his head. He had sufficient time to see Gaffin, and he at once
recognised the men who had captured him, while young Miles was standing
by, though he kept at a respectful distance from his elbows.

At this juncture he heard a voice exclaiming--

"Are you still at your old work, ye hard-hearted ruffians, dragging off
the young and helpless to be drowned in the salt, salt sea. Aren't ye
emissaries of Satan; let him go free, or my curses rest on you." And
Jacob saw the tall figure of Mad Sal descending the cliffs by a pathway
few would have ventured to tread. Now and then she stopped and waved
the long staff she carried in her hand.

"Who is that old woman?" asked Miles. "Make her hold her tongue, some
of you, will you?"

"It's more than you or any other man can do," said one of the ruffians.
"Try it yourself, master."

Miles however showed no disposition to confront personally the mad
woman.

"Get this young fellow aboard as you were ordered, and never mind her."

This remark drew the attention of the mad woman, especially on Miles
himself.

"Who are you?" she asked. "Are you a being of the earth, or a spirit
from the nether world?" she shrieked out. "Speak, I command you,
speak!"

"Be off, and don't interfere with us, old woman!" answered Miles,
plucking up his courage