of them; and also that the other Arabs
present were either unable or unwilling to buy them.

The merchants, therefore, would have to take them farther before they
could dispose of them.

In Jim's mind then revived the hope that, by opposing the wishes of his
late masters, he and Terence might be bought back again and taken on to
Mogador.

It was this hope that had induced him to recall his companions after
urging them to depart.

A few words explained his apparently strange conduct to Harry and Colin,
and they promised to resist every attempt made to take them any farther
unless all should go in company.

The merchants in vain commanded and entreated that the Christian dogs
should move on. They used threats, and then resorted to blows.

Harry, to whom they had hitherto shown much respect, was beaten until
his scanty garments were saturated with blood.

Unwilling to see others suffering so much torture unsupported by any
selfish desire, Jim again counselled Harry and the others to yield
obedience to their masters.

In this counsel he was warmly seconded by Terence.

But Harry declared his determination not to desert his old shipmate
Colin, and Bill remained equally firm under the torture; while the
Krooman, knowing that his only chance of liberty depended on remaining
true to the white slaves, and keeping in their company, could not be
made to yield.

Perceiving that all his entreaties--addressed to his brother, Harry, and
Colin--could not put an end to the painful scene he was compelled to
witness, Jim strove to effect some purpose by making an appeal to his
late masters.

"Buy us back, and take us all to Swearah as you promised," said he. "If
you do so, we will go cheerfully as we were doing before. I tell you,
you will be well paid for your trouble."

One of the merchants, placing some confidence in the truth of this
representation, now offered to buy Jim and Terence on his own account;
but their new master refused to part with his newly-acquired property.

A crowd of men, women, and children had now gathered around the spot;
and from all sides were heard shouts of "Kill the obstinate Christian
'dogs.' How dare they resist the will of true believers!"

This advice was given by those who had no pecuniary interest in the
chattels in question; but the merchants, who had invested a large sum in
the purchase of the white slaves, had no idea of making such a sacrifice
for the gratification of a mere passio