outbreak.
What ho, Captain Pogram, this way! We have settled the matter, and my
friend is willing to go.'

'I thought he would tack round,' the captain said, staggering towards us
with a gait which showed that he had made the rum bottle his companion
since we had left him. 'S'help me, I was sure of it! Though, by the
Mass, I don't wonder that he thought twice before leaving the _Dorothy
Fox_, for she is fitted up fit for a duchess, s'help me! Where is your
boat?'

'Alongside,' replied Saxon; 'my friend joins with me in hoping that you,
Captain Pogram, will have a pleasant and profitable voyage.'

'I am cursedly beholden to him,' said the captain, with a flourish of
his three-cornered hat.

'Also that you will reach Barbadoes in safety.'

'Little doubt of that!' quoth the captain.

'And that you will dispose of your wares in a manner which will repay
you for your charity and humanity.'

'Nay, these are handsome words,' cried the captain. 'Sir, I am your
debtor.'

A fishing-boat was lying alongside the brig. By the murky light of the
poop lanterns I could see the figures upon her deck, and the great brown
sail all ready for hoisting. I climbed the bulwark and set my foot upon
the rope-ladder which led down to her.

'Good-bye, Decimus!' said I.

'Good-bye, my lad! You have your pieces all safe?'

'I have them.'

'Then I have one other present to make you. It was brought to me by a
sergeant of the Royal Horse. It is that, Micah, on which you must now
depend for food, lodging, raiment, and all which you would have. It
is that to which a brave man can always look for his living. It is the
knife wherewith you can open the world's oyster. See, lad, it is your
sword!'

'The old sword! My father's sword!' I cried in delight, as Saxon drew
from under his mantle and handed to me the discoloured, old-fashioned
leathern sheath with the heavy brass hilt which I knew so well.

'You are now,' said he, 'one of the old and honourable guild of soldiers
of fortune. While the Turk is still snarling at the gates of Vienna
there will ever be work for strong arms and brave hearts. You will find
that among these wandering, fighting men, drawn from all climes and
nations, the name of Englishman stands high. Well I know that it will
stand none the lower for your having joined the brotherhood. I would
that I could come with you, but I am promised pay and position which it
would be ill to set aside. Farewell, lad, and may fortune