ty even to get a look at his captors before he
was blindfolded.

"We want yer company for a period," a soft well modulated voice, with a
southern accent, was speaking. "Make no trouble, and I will know that
you are a wise young man."

"I do not know you. What do you want?"

"First and foremost the chart you have in your pocket. I will, since
your hands are tied, with your kind permission, help myself to that
now."

Needless to say, the speaker sought out and took possession of the
desired document, carefully bestowing it in his own pocket.

"Now to introduce ourselves, for you doubtless observed that there are
two of us. This is Mate Marion, and I am Captain Beauchamp, at your
service."

"By what right, captain, do you detain me, and take from me my
possessions?"

"Oh, all is fair in love or war, is it not so?"

Ignoring the question and recognizing the probability that argument was
useless, Jim contented himself with an inquiry:

"What do you propose doing with me?"

"I shall be most pleased to entertain you on board my ship."

"For what purpose is my presence wanted there?"

"Just for the pleasure of your company. I hear that you are a fine young
fellow, and I may have a proposition to make to you that will be worthy
of your consideration. Just now the thing to do is to get back to the
Marjorie. I will make this offer now. If you will go along with us
without causing any trouble, you shall, as a reward, not be harmed."

"But I am blindfolded."

"That is a condition easily remedied," saying which, the handkerchief
was removed from the captive's eyes.

Jim recognized the fact that he had been trapped, and was in the hands
of a wily, adroit villain, but protest or a struggle for freedom would
be unavailing under the existing circumstances, and he believed that his
wisest plan was to make the best of his fate pending better opportunity
to change the conditions of things.

Guided by the captain and mate a long march was undertaken, and at a
late hour, with slight knowledge of the locality, Jim was put into a
rowboat and conveyed on board a ship riding at anchor in an open bay.

He was soon to learn that he was a prisoner on board that vessel of
questionable purpose, the Marjorie. So much information the captain
himself conveyed to him when releasing the bonds that had held secure
his arms. He was placed in a small compartment known as the ship brig,
and a securely locked door barred his egress.