"In my early days I was
wild, and I am, to tell you the truth, in the power of this man; nay,
I will tell you honestly, my life is in his power; he ordered me to come,
and I dare not disobey him--and he retains me here."

"And Nattee?"

"Is quite well, and with me, but not very happy in her present situation;
but he is a dangerous, violent, implacable man, and I dare not disobey
him. I advise you as a friend, to consent to his wishes."

"That requires some deliberation," replied I, "and I am not one of those
who are to be driven. My feelings towards Sir Henry, after this treatment,
are not the most amicable; besides, how am I to know that Fleta is his
relative?"

"Well, I can say no more, Japhet. I wish you well out of his hands."

"You have the power to help me, if that is the case," said I.

"I dare not."

"Then you are not the Melchior that you used to be," replied I.

"We must submit to fate. I must not stay longer; you will find all that
you want in the basket, and more candles, if you do not like being in
the dark. I do not think I shall be permitted to come again, till
to-morrow."

Melchior then went out, locked the door after him, and I was left to
my meditations.

Chapter XLVII

A friend in need is a friend in deed--The tables are turned and
so is the key--The issue in deep tragedy.

Was it possible that which Melchior said was true? A little reflection
told me that it was all false, and that he was himself Sir Henry de Clare.
I was in his power, and what might be the result? He might detain me, but
he dare not murder me. Dare not! My heart sank when I considered where I
was, and how easy would it be for him to despatch me, if so inclined,
without any one ever being aware of my fate. I lighted a whole candle,
that I might not find myself in the dark when I rose, and exhausted in
body and mind, was soon fast asleep. I must have slept many hours, for
when I awoke I was in darkness--the candle had burnt out. I groped for
the basket, and examined the contents with my hands, and found a
tinder-box. I struck a light, and then feeling hungry and weak, refreshed
myself with the eatables it contained, which were excellent, as well as
the wine. I had replaced the remainder, when the key again turned in the
door, and Melchior made his appearance.

"How do you feel, Japhet, to-day?"

"To-day!" replied I; "day and night are the same to me."

"That is your own fault," replied he. "Have y