he drank them eagerly off, and then showed by signs that
he wished for more. Prior had been engaged in squeezing more limes. He
now approached nearer with them. I saw him start when he saw the
stranger, and look earnestly at him; but he did not say a word, and
kneeling down by his side, Prior gave him the refreshing draught he had
prepared. It instantly had the effect of reviving the sick man, who
looked up, and their eyes met. The latter, after staring with an amazed
and inquiring look, let his head again drop, and appeared to be
endeavouring to conceal his countenance with his hands, while Prior,
taking me by the shoulder, led me out of the cavern. When we had got
beyond hearing he stopped.

"Seaworth," he said, "who do you think is the man who lies there, on the
point of death it would appear? Prepare yourself to hear, for you
cannot guess. He is no other than the leader of the pirates who
attacked my ship--the person who wounded me--the man of whom you are in
search--the captain of the _Emu_. I recognised him at once; for we
fought hand to hand, and there are some countenances which are impressed
in a few moments on the memory. He, I suspect, for the same reason
remembered me; for I believe I pressed him hard, and had not one of his
companions come to his assistance, I should have taken his life. I tell
you this at once, that you may be prepared how to act. He may have it
in his power to communicate important information; but if we are not
cautious in our proceedings, he may refuse to say anything."

I was so astonished at what I had heard, that I could scarcely collect
my thoughts sufficiently to answer.

"What would you advise me to do?" I asked. "He may tell me of Eva but,
alas! where can she be?"

"Trust that Providence has protected her," he answered solemnly. "But
go and speak to him calmly and soothingly. There is, I fear, but little
time to lose ere he will be called to his account."

Following Prior's advice, I entered the cavern, and knelt down by the
side of the sick man. He seemed resolved not to utter a word, and had
returned no answers to the questions as to how he felt himself, which
Fairburn, who was still ignorant as to who he was, was putting to him.
It struck me that he might be more inclined to speak to one person
alone; I therefore requested Fairburn to quit the cabin, and to prepare
some more lime-juice and water. I then turned to the pirate.

"I have to beg you to list