en very sorry."

"Cato, I have many lives on my hands, and hope to have many more before
I die. I never have repented one act of my life--a murder, as you may
call it--and I never shall. But I tell you frankly, that had I
destroyed you in my passion I should have been a miserable man. I know
it; I feel it."

"Let's say no more about it: that I'm just as glad as you are that you
did not kill me, I assure you most positively. Here's Jose coming with
the dinner."

Here ended our conversation, which I have given just to show the
peculiar disposition of this extraordinary man, with whom I had become
domesticated. Verily and truly was I, as he said, "like a little dog in
the cage of a tiger," and, from familiarity: just as bold as dogs become
under such peculiar circumstances.

Before morning we were again at anchor in the Rendezvous Bay, and the
tents were pitched as before. We remained there for more than a
fortnight, during which my intimacy with the captain was even greater
than before. He appeared to endeavour to do all in his power to restore
my confidence in him, and he succeeded. Still, I must say, that I began
to be weary of this sort of life. My dreams were ever of murder and
bloodshed; and more than once I felt inclined to make my escape: but I
had promised, and the remembrance of my promise prevented me.

One afternoon the man on the look-out made the usual signal for a vessel
in sight. Vincent went up immediately, and I followed him. It was a
schooner, very long, with very taut, raking masts. Vincent examined her
for some time, and then gave me the glass, and asked me what I thought
of her. I replied, that I thought she was a man-of-war schooner.

"You are right," said he, "I know her well; it is the Arrow, and she has
come out to cruise for me. This is the third time that she has been
sent after me. Once we exchanged a few broadsides, but another
man-of-war hove in sight, and I was compelled to leave her. She shall
not accuse me of running from her, now that she is alone, and by
to-morrow morning I will give her the opportunity of making the report
of my capture if she can; but if I capture her, you may guess the rest."

We remained till nearly sunset watching the motions of the schooner.
Vincent then went down the hill to give orders for sailing, leaving me
with the glass. I again directed it to the schooner, and perceived that
she was making signals.

Then she is not alone, thought I;