romise," answered Ralph.

"Oh, nonsense!" cried Dick; "if those fellows made you give a promise
it's their look out."

"A promise is a promise in God's sight, however made," said Ralph.

"Then you don't care for the young girl you talked of marrying," said
Dick, again lowering his voice.

"I'd give my life for her sake," answered Ralph.

"That's not the question. Come, here's the place; say the word and
you'll be free," whispered Dick, not attending to his last remark.

"No, I cannot," answered Ralph firmly.

"An obstinate man will have his own way, and be sorry for it
afterwards," exclaimed Dick, in a tone of vexation. "But I'll see what
I can do in spite of you; there'll be another chance further on."

Dick staggered on as if he were still half-seas-over, gradually
increasing his distance from Ralph till he got alongside his friend Tom.
The latter was in no mood for talking, but he listened eagerly to what
Dick had to say.

"Ay, give the word, and I'm ready," answered Tom, after listening for
some time; "only just help me to get my hands out of limbo."

Dick had managed to liberate his own hands, and it was the work of a
moment to free his companion's, the darkness preventing their guards
from observing them.

They had by this time reached a street close to the water, though at
some distance from where the boats were waiting. Suddenly the
press-gang were assailed by the wildest shrieks and cries and showers of
abuse, uttered by a number of women and boys, who rushed out from some
narrow courts or other places where they had been concealed. They did
not confide their attack to words, but, supported by some men, who,
however, kept at a safe distance behind them, they opened a volley of
brickbats and stones at the heads of the sailors. The latter turned to
defend themselves and drive off their assailants, who nimbly retreated,
when pursued, in all directions, redoubling their shrieks and cries.
The officer, well knowing the object of the attack, shouted to his men
to stand fast; but some amid the din did not understand what he said,
and few were willing to obey his orders.

Tom, whose hands had been freed, tripped up the man nearest him, and
dashed down the street towards the water, followed by two of the
press-gang.

"Now's your time, mate," cried Dick, seizing Ralph by the arm; "come
along."

"I cannot," answered Ralph, firmly; "I promised to remain. Save
yourself if you can."

"You're a fool