upon him, with
the point of the dagger at his throat.

"If you make a sound, or utter a cry," he exclaimed, "I will drive this
dagger into your throat."

Philippo could feel the point of the dagger against his skin, and
remained perfectly quiet.

"I do not want to kill you, Philippo. You have not been harsh to me,
and I would spare your life if I could. Hold your hands back above your
head, and put your wrists together that I may fasten them. Then I will
let you get up."

Philippo held up his hands as requested, and Francis bound them tightly
together with a strip of twisted cloth. He then allowed him to rise.

"Now, Philippo, I must gag you. Then I will fasten your hands to a bar
well above your head, so that you can't get at the rope with your
teeth. I will leave you here till your comrade comes in the morning."

"I would rather that you killed me at once, signor," the man said.
"Thomaso will be furious at your having made your escape, for he will
certainly come in for a share of the fury of the captain. There are
three or four of the crew remaining behind, and no doubt they will keep
me locked up till the ship returns, and in that case the captain will
be as good as his word. You had better kill me at once."

"But what am I to do, Philippo? I must ensure my own safety. If you
will suggest any way by which I can do that, I will."

"I would swear any oath you like, signor, that I will not give the
alarm. I will make straight across the island, and get hold of a boat
there, so as to be well away before your escape is known in the
morning."

"Well, look here, Philippo. I believe you are sincere, and you shall
take the oath you hold most sacred."

"You can accompany me, signor, if you will. Keep my hands tied till we
are on the other side of the island, and stab me if I give the alarm."

"I will not do that, Philippo. I will trust you altogether; but first
take the oath you spoke of."

Philippo swore a terrible oath, that he would abstain from giving the
alarm, and would cross the island and make straight for the mainland.
Francis at once cut the bonds.

"You will lose your share of the plunder, Philippo, and you will have
to keep out of the way to avoid the captain's rage. Therefore I advise
you, when you get to Tunis, to embark in the first ship that sails. If
you come to Venice, ask for me, and I will make up to you for your loss
of booty, and put you in the way of leading an honest life again. But
bef