ers was that I was to be
sure to tell you that you wasn't to worry about the young lady, because
we've all agreed that she shall be treated as a passenger with the
greatest possible respect, and not be interfered with by anybody."

"Oh, my poor sister--my poor lost sister!" moaned Mrs Henderson,
burying her face in her hands as she burst into a passion of hysterical
tears; and whilst Mrs Gaunt did her best to soothe and comfort her
unfortunate friend, Doctor Henderson and the engineer sought by every
means in their power to induce the boat's crew to return to the ship and
give them an opportunity to try their persuasive powers on Williams,
with the object of obtaining Miss Stanhope's release. Their efforts
proved utterly vain, the men positively refusing to go back; but hope
was not entirely abandoned nor their efforts suspended until they had
landed, and the boats were fairly out of ear-shot on their way back to
the ship.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

SIBYLLA THE HOSTAGE.

Sibylla no sooner heard Williams' order for the boats to shove off than
she intuitively divined the horrible fate in store for her; and,
resolved to effect her escape at any and every hazard, she darted toward
the gangway, determined to fling herself into the sea rather than be
left alone and unprotected in the midst of that gang of lawless men.
But Williams was too quick for her; he saw her movement, anticipated her
intention, and, leaping down off the rail, flung his arms around her,
exclaiming:

"Avast there, my pretty one; you are to stay with us! Nay, it is no use
to struggle; you will not be allowed to go, so you may as well submit
quietly to your fate. Curse the girl--how she fights! Stand still,
will you, and listen to me! The boats are already a hundred fathoms
away from the ship; there are half a dozen sharks cruising round us--I
saw them not five minutes ago; and if you were silly enough to jump
overboard, as you seem inclined to do, you would be torn to pieces
before we could even think about picking you up."

"Better that than to remain here at the mercy of such wretches as you!"
gasped Sibylla, still struggling feebly, for her strength was almost
exhausted.

"Well said, my beauty," laughed Williams; "you are a rare plucky one,
and no mistake. I like to see--"

"Hands off, Williams!" exclaimed Ned, as he stepped coldly forward to
the rescue. "What do you mean, sir, by such dastardly conduct? Do you
call this keeping faith with