entreaty, and
it was evident he was about to propose some compromise. Indeed, it
would have been madness in him to have carried the conflict farther, as
it could only have resulted in the death of us both.

"Comrades!" he continued, "it's a dreadful thing to die, but I know that
some one must be made a sacrifice for the rest, and that are better than
we should all go. Ye must know then when this thing happens it be the
usual way to draw lots about it."

"We shan't have it that way!" cried one, adding to his response the
emphasis of an oath.

"Well, then," continued Brace, without losing his pacific demeanour,
"since you're agreed that it shan't be that way, and that the boy must
be the first, and since you're all agreed to it, it's no use o' me
standin' in the way. I agree to it wi' the rest."

I was startled at the words, and involuntarily turned my eyes upon the
face of the speaker. Was he serious? was he really about to give me up?
to surrender me into the hands of those ruthless men?

He took no notice of me; and his unflinching attitude, and glance still
bent in the same direction, told me that he had not yet done speaking.

"But," said he after pause, "with these conditions."

"What conditions?" asked several, interrupting him.

"Why only this," replied Brace, "that the boy be let live till the
morning. I only ask for him till the sun rises; and then if there be no
sail in sight, ye can do as ye please. It's only fair the lad should
have a chance for his life; and if you don't agree to give him this
chance," continued the speaker, once more placing himself in a
determined attitude, "if you don't, then all I've got to say is, that
I'll fight for the lad as long as I can stand over him, and if he be
first ate he won't be first killed--that I can promise ye. Now?"

Brace's speech produced the desired effect. His auditory, though
reluctantly, agreed to the proposal. Even those heartless fiends could
not help acknowledging that it was no more than fair; but, perhaps, the
determined and resolute bearing of my protector--as he stood, drawn up
and ready, with that keen blade shining in his strong, firm grasp--had
more influence upon their decision than any feeling of fair play.

Whether or not, the reprieve was granted; and those who had been
menacing my life drew back--though still muttering their discontent--and
shrunk once more into their places.

CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN.

I can ill describe the