n the same sort of thing has been
done at sea, and when a slaver has been hard-pressed, blacks have been
thrown overboard by the crew, to induce the English cruiser to stop and
pick them up, and thus enable them to escape. Jack was dragged away up
the hill, through the gateway of the town, and into the king's palace.
That worthy was seated where Jack had first seen him, and employed much
in the same way--smoking a pipe.

"Why have you brought him?" inquired his sable majesty of the little old
Spaniard, whom Jack heard addressed as Don Diogo.

"He will serve as a hostage--they have got some of our people," was the
answer.

"But will they give us back any of the slaves?" asked the king.

"Not one--whatever we may threaten," replied the Don, grinding his
teeth. "They will not have got many, that is one comfort. A
considerable number came with us, and most of those we were unable to
set loose have been burnt. Our enemies have not gained much by their
victory in any way, for we killed a good many of them, and destroyed
some of their boats. We have had a desperate fight of it, though."

"It may be as well, then, not to kill the youngster, though it might be
a satisfaction to you," said the king, looking at the Don.

"Not for the present," said Don Diogo. "We will keep him for a short
time, and see how high his friends value him. If they refuse to give
enough in exchange for him, as he can be of no use here, we can then
shoot him!"

Jack, of course, could not understand all this conversation; but he made
out enough to comprehend its tenor, which was certainly not of a
character to enliven him. After a little time he found himself hauled
out of the king's presence and thrust into a small hut by himself. A
black, with a brace of pistols in his belt, and a musket which looked as
if it would go off, was placed sentry over him. He either would not, or
probably could not, reply to any of the questions Jack put to him,
whenever he thrust his head in at the door, apparently to ascertain that
his prisoner was all safe.

Thus passed the day. Towards the evening Jack began to be very hungry
and very sick, and to wonder whether he was to be starved to death. He
pointed to his mouth, and made every sign he could think of to show that
he was hungry, but the sentry appeared to take no notice of him. At
last, however, another man opened the door and placed a bowl of farina
before him. It was not very dainty fare, but he