an."

"As to what they said, I have not the slightest conception," answered
Norris; "but I will try and make the judge understand who we are, and
that is the thing of most importance."

With such Portuguese as he could command, Norris then tried to explain
to the judge that they were a party of English officers on a pleasure
excursion, that they had no intention of committing any illegal act; and
that while he and his companions were quietly sitting on the ground they
had been attacked by a number of people, who had carried them up to
prison and made off with their boat.

The judge gave Norris to understand, that though he had caught a word
here and there, he could not comprehend what had been said, except as to
their being English officers, and that their very appearance
contradicted such an assertion.

Norris fortunately understood this remark, and at once said that if
their uniform jackets, which were on board the boat, were restored to
them they would put them on.

"Very likely you may have the uniforms of British officers, which you
may have stolen, perhaps after putting their owners to death," observed
the judge, an assertion which appeared to highly please their captors.

In vain Norris asserted that he spoke the truth. The judge evidently
sided with their accusers, and he was about to order that they should be
taken back to prison, when a negro from the farther end of the court
made his way up to them.

"Me Sangaree Jack, understand all you say, sare; once serve on board
English man-of-war. These here fellows say dey hang you up on de trees
tomorrow if you no show who you are."

"Well, Sangaree Jack, that is pleasant information," observed Higson,
"but how can you help us?"

"Me go down to English man-of-war, and tell all dat you say, and dey den
send up armed boats to make dese fellows let you go," answered the
negro.

"I shall be very glad to accept your offer," said Higson, "and the
sooner you start the better."

"All right, massa lieutenant, but me no go for nothing, you sabbe,"
answered Sangaree Jack, with a knowing look.

"Well, then, we will give you ten dollars, that will be handsome, won't
it?" said Higson.

Sangaree Jack grinned till his mouth almost pushed back his ears to
allow it full expansion, as he answered--

"Ten dollars! oh no! massa, dat not enough."

"Then suppose we double it," said Higson.

"Oh no! massa, twenty dollars not enough."

At last, after a little more ba