rgaining, Sangaree Jack agreed for thirty
dollars to go down and carry information as to what had happened, on
board the corvette.

"Well, massa lieutenant, where de dollars, though?" asked the black,
with a cunning leer.

"The dollars! You will get them when we are set free, my friend," said
Higson.

"I neber do anyting of dat sort on trust, sare," answered the negro,
grinning.

"But suppose we have not got the dollars, you will lose them, and we
shall remain in the prison?" observed Higson.

"Oh, Buccra officers always carry dollars," answered the black. "Just
try what the young gentlemens got in dare pockets."

"Possibly we may have some of the money among us," said Higson, not
willing to trust the fellow altogether. "Suppose you take fifteen
dollars, and then we will pay the remainder when the boats come up--
come, fair play is a jewel."

"Massa lieutenant know how to manage tings," grinned blackie. "Come, I
take fifteen dollars, and you see I true man. Honour bright among
teves, you know; you trust me and I trust you--he! he! he!" and blackie
grinned at his own wit.

The dollars were with some difficulty collected among them.

"Don't let de people see what you give me," said blackie, putting his
fingers to his thick lips, and looking very wise. "I tell dese rascals
that I got a little money to buy some wine, and oder tings. I tell dem
too, dat I know you English officers, and dat dey better take care what
dey do."

The money was conveyed into Sangaree Jack's large paws, without any
remark being made by the people in court. Sangaree Jack then addressed
the court, and though Norris could not make out exactly what he said, it
had some effect, as the judge bowed to them as they left the court, and
they were afterwards treated with more respect. Their new friend then
hurried off, assuring them that he would lose no time in getting down
the harbour.

The party were now marched back to prison amidst the cries and hooting
of the populace.

"At all events they don't intend to lynch us," said Tom. "That's one
comfort."

"If each of us had a good shillelah in our hands, we would be after
making them sing a different tune," exclaimed Desmond, turning round
every now and then, and casting a contemptuous look on the mob. Higson
and Archy Gordon walked on, however, in an unconcerned manner, thinking
it more dignified to take no notice of the ill-feeling shown by the
people.

They were thankful when