said Roger. "The ship's papers show that
she was bound out from London to Jamaica."

"There is nothing, I suppose, to show who the passengers are?" said the
Captain.

"I could discover no paper, sir," answered Roger.

The people were soon brought on board, and placed under the care of the
doctor, who attended to them assiduously. Just as sail was made, Roger,
who was on deck, observed the bow of the craft from which the people had
been rescued rise slightly in the water, then down she went, stern
first, and nothing was seen on the spot where she had floated, her hull
being the coffin of the rest of her passengers.

After some time Captain Benbow summoned Roger, to learn what he could
make out respecting the passengers. "With regard to the two seamen and
the officer, the matter is clear enough," he said. "They say that he
belonged to their vessel, and by his coolness and bravery saved their
lives, so that if he likes to enter on board the _Ruby_ he shall be
welcome to do so. I cannot give the seamen their choice when they
recover. They will prove to be stout fellows I hope, and will be as
well off with us as anywhere else; but with regard to the passengers the
matter is doubtful. I fear that they are slaves destined to be sold to
the planters of Jamaica, but I cannot bear the thought of handing them
over to so cruel a fate. Do you, Willoughby, speak to the men. If any
of them have served at sea the matter will be more easy, as I can then
enter them among the crew of the _Ruby_. It will be far better for them
than labouring in the plantations of Jamaica."

"Ay, ay," answered Roger, clearly understanding the drift of the
Captain's remarks. He first visited the mate and the two seamen, and
told them that if they chose to volunteer, the Captain would receive
them on board the _Ruby_.

"With all my heart," said the mate, in a low voice, taking Roger's hand
and pressing it. "Does he suspect who I am, for I am very sure that you
know me?"

"What he suspects I don't know, but he asks no questions," answered
Roger; "and whoever you are, you will enter under the name the man gave
you--Simon Bates."

"Thank you, Roger, thank you," said the mate. "I little expected such
good fortune; but the poor passengers! What is to be done with them?"

"If they have served at sea, the Captain will allow them to enter on
board the _Ruby_," said Roger.

"Yes, that they have, and very useful they made themselves; indeed,