e you are looking out the clothes, I
should feel in no small degree grateful."

Philip rang the bell and ordered the steward to bring something to eat
and drink, and after eating I occupied a quarter of an hour more in
getting rid of the pirate smoke and dirt, and putting on one of his
uniforms, for he had no other clothes on board, when I came out looking
not at all like a pirate.

"Now, then," said Philip, "before we have our _tete-a-tete_, come out
with me, and let me introduce you to the officers as my brother."

I went out with him, and was formally introduced. The first-lieutenant
apologised for his rough speech, but I told him that there was no
occasion for any apology, as I had no doubt that I looked very much like
a pirate at the time.

"More than you do now, Sir, at all events," replied he.

"By the bye, brother," said I, "there is one man among the prisoners
who, although compelled to act as captain by the men, is no pirate. His
conduct I will explain to you. May I request him to be kindly treated?
His name is Toplift--and also two Portuguese, my former companions."

"Certainly," replied Philip, "your word is sufficient. Let those
persons be released and taken care of," said he to the first-lieutenant.
"We will wait for the particulars by-and-by."

I remained on deck about ten minutes, and then returned to the cabin
with my brother.

"What is this which you have left on my dressing-table?" said Philip,
surveying the leather bag which contained the diamond.

"That, Philip," said I, "is a portion of my narrative, and eventually
may prove a very important one. I don't think that I can afford to make
you a present of it, but I shall see."

"It does not look very valuable," replied he.

"At all events, do me the favour to lock it up carefully," replied I.

"Well, if you are in earnest I will," he said, and having put it in a
drawer and locked it up, he said, "Now, Alexander, let me have your
history."

I commenced, and told him all that the reader is now acquainted with.
Dinner broke off my narrative, and as soon as it was over I resumed it.
When I had finished, he expressed his astonishment, and asked many
questions. Among others he said, "And that little wretch Peleg, the
captain of the Transcendant's son, is he on board?"

"I have not seen him," replied I, "and therefore presume that he was not
able to move, and went down in the schooner." Which was the case.

"You have indeed told me a