and beside it, engaged in putting it to rights,
were Brown and his three companions--the two British tars and the
Maltese seaman.

"Is all right?" asked Brown, in a low voice, as they approached.

"All right," answered Peter.

"Now, Geo'ge, you go in."

The middy entered the cave, and with, if possible, increased surprise,
he found Ben-Ahmed standing there!

"You are astonished, my friend," said the Moor with a gentle smile, as
he extended his hand.

"I am indeed," returned the middy, heartily grasping and warmly shaking
it, "but I am also rejoiced that I have the opportunity--which I had not
hoped for--of thanking you for all your great kindness to me in time
past--especially for this crowning act."

"You have not to thank me," returned the Moor, "you have to thank the
little English girl;" as he spoke he made a graceful motion of the hand
towards Hester, who, with her father, entered the cave at the moment.
"Little Hester has taught me--not by word but by example--the grand
lesson of your Christian Scriptures, that a man should do to others what
he would have others do to him. I have resolved to keep no more slaves,
and, as a first step, I now set you all free!"

"God's blessing rest on you for that, sir," said Hugh Sommers, stepping
forward and grasping the hand that Foster had relinquished. "Have you,
then, forsaken the faith of Mohammed and adopted that of Christ?"

"Be not over-curious," said the Moor reprovingly. "Sufficient for you
to know that fresh water cannot spring from a salt fountain. We must
not waste time. The boat is in the water by this time. Farewell. Kiss
me, my child. We may not meet again on earth, but--we shall certainly
meet hereafter!"

Hester, who saw the Moor assume all shapes and sizes through the tears
that filled her eyes, ran to him, and, throwing her arms round his neck
gave him a hug that made even her father jealous.

"Now, away, all of you," cried Ben-Ahmed, when he was released, "and may
the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob go with you."

While he was yet speaking the clatter of horses' hoofs in the distance
was heard. Instantly the party made for the boat. There was no time
for last adieux. Ben-Ahmed helped to shove off the boat and bundle them
in.

"You will hear pistol-shots," he cried, "but fear not for me. My horse
can outrun the best in Algiers. I will only fire to decoy them away.
Farewell!"

He ran up into the shrubbery that bordered the road,