f their number.

"Which is the one who speaks Arabic?" he inquired from one of the
merchants.

Jim was pointed out, and was at once selected as one of the two to be
purchased.

"Tell 'im to buy me, too, Jim," said Bill, "We'll sail in company, you
and I, though I don't much like partin' with the young gentlemen here."

"You shall not part either with them or me, if I can help it," answered
Jim; "but we must expect some torture. Let all bear it like devils, and
don't give in. That's our only chance!"

Glancing his eyes over the other slaves, the grazier selected Terence as
the second for whom he was willing to pay a price.

His terms having been accepted by the merchants, they were about
concluding the bargain, when they were accosted by Jim.

He assured them that he and his companions were determined to die before
they should be separated, that none of them would do any work if
retained in slavery, and that all were determined to be taken to
Swearah.

The merchants and the buyer only smiled at this interruption; and went
on with the negotiation.

In vain did Jim appeal to their cupidity, reminding them that the
merchant, "For God's sake buy us", would pay a far higher price for
himself and his companions.

His arguments and entreaties failed to change their determination, the
bargain was concluded, and Jim and Terence were made over to their new
master.

The merchants then mounted their camels, and ordered the other four to
follow them.

Harry Blount, Colin, and Sailor Bill, answered this command by sulkily
sitting down upon the sand.

Another command from the merchants was given, in sharp tones that
betrayed their rising wrath.

"Obey them!" exclaimed Jim. "Go on; and Master Terence and I will
follow you. We'll stand the brunt of the battle. They shall not hold
me here alive!"

Colin and Bill each mounted a donkey, and Harry his camel; the Arab
merchants seeming quite satisfied at the result of their slight
exhibition of anger.

Jim and Terence attempted to follow them; but their new master was
prepared for this; and, at a word of command, several of his followers
seized hold of and fast bound both of them.

Jim's threat, that they should not hold him alive, had thus proved but
an idle boast.

Harry, Colin, and Bill, now turned back, dismounted, and showed their
determination to remain with their companions down along side of them.

"These Christian dogs do not wish for liberty!" exclaim