in now swore, with tears, that he had not a penny more, but
the pirate would not believe him.

"I will refresh your memory," said he, "rely upon it. Bind up the
pumps again, and kindle the fire quickly!"

The poor man was again bound fast, and the light wood around him was
kindled; the flames licked his clothes and hands, and his eye-brows
and hair were already singed, but he renewed his protestations and
commended himself to God's mercy. The pirate at last believing his
assertion, let the pumps play and extinguished the fire.

"Well," he said in a milder tone, "I will set you at liberty, and you
may sail whither you please, except to any Cuban port, for if I find
you again in these waters I will scuttle your vessel and leave you to
your fate."

He supplied the Dolphin with water and provisions for ten days and
loosened it from the schooner. I was obliged to remain upon the pirate
ship while the brig set sail, and had soon vanished from our sight. As
a thick mist arose we anchored on the edge of a sand-bank, and
remained there over night; at break of day we again set sail and ran
into a small, concealed, but very safe harbor on the coast of Cuba.

II.

We had scarcely cast anchor when a whole fleet of large and small
boats pushed off from the shore and sailed towards us. The pirate knew
with whom he had to deal, and made ready for them. Two officials and
several other gentlemen and ladies now stepped on board, and were
saluted with fifteen guns. After the guests had congratulated the
robber upon his successful expedition, refreshments were brought, and
the whole company commenced dancing on the deck, where some black
musicians were playing. The merriment lasted far into the night, and
all left the vessel, delighted with the rich presents of silks and
jewels that they had received, while they promised to send purchasers
to the sale of the pirate's booty, which was to take place on the
following day. As soon as we were alone again, the pirate captain
informed me confidentially, that he maintained the friendliest
relations with the government, and that he had no dread whatever of
any hostile attempts against him.

"I can easily settle all that with these people," said he, "with
presents."

On the following morning the deck was swept and preparations were made
for the sale, and a crowd of ladies and gentlemen soon appeared; the
captain and I received them on board, and conducted them under the
blue canopy with