us. Early next morning, as the first gleam of light stole
into the room, I climbed up as usual to have a look out, and ascertain
whether anything was occurring in the village, when, what was my
surprise to see a white man with a gun on his shoulder, and holding by a
chain in his left hand a bull dog. Another glance at the dog, and I
recognised him as Growler, while the man bore a strong resemblance to
Captain Roderick. He had then escaped with his life. I could scarcely
suppose that, bad as he was, he would refuse to assist in setting us
free. He was evidently at liberty himself, or he would not have walked
along in the independent manner he was doing. Guessing that Growler
would recognise me, I whistled. The dog immediately pricked up his
ears, and began to look about him. Captain Roderick started.

"What is it, Growler," I heard him ask.

I again whistled, and called to my companions. They started to their
feet.

"Captain Roderick," I shouted out, "will you assist some of your
countrymen in getting away from these black fellows who have imprisoned
them?"

"Who is that who calls me by my name?" asked the captain in a tone of
astonishment, looking up to the place from which my voice proceeded,
although he could not distinguish my features under the eaves of the
house. Coming to the door, he without further ceremony withdrew the
bars which secured it.

"Who are you?" he exclaimed, with a look of astonishment, as he saw us
ready to rush out. "Don't you remember us, Captain Roderick?" I asked.
"I don't wish to claim it as a merit, but we set you at liberty when
your ship was wrecked, and enabled you to save your life."

"I wish that I had lost it," answered the captain with a gloomy look.

"Perhaps you may live to be thankful it was preserved. At all events,
we acted desiring to do you a good service, and all we beg is, that if
you have the power you will assist us in making our escape from this
village, in which for some reason the king seems inclined to keep us
prisoners. Why he does so I cannot ascertain."

"I can solve the mystery then," he answered; "I confess that I have been
the cause of your detention. I have been living with the chief almost
ever since I got on shore, having made my way up here immediately, and I
am in high favour with him. Two rascals, former followers of mine,
while I was out hunting came to the village--intending to remain here, I
conclude--but finding by some chance t