if Olivarez knew that I was better, and had recovered my reason. He
replied that he did, but that he had told him I was so weak that I could
hardly recover.

"That is well," said I; "keep him in that belief as long as you can."

He now offered me more gruel, which I took, and I believe that he put an
opiate in it, for shortly after I had taken it I again felt drowsy, and
was soon fast asleep. I awoke sooner than before, for it was night, and
I heard the voice of Olivarez on deck; from what I gathered, land was in
sight, and I heard him order the schooner to be hove-to. In the morning
Ingram came down in the cabin, bringing me some breakfast, which I ate
heartily, for I was recovering fast, and had become quite ravenous.

"Land is in sight," said I.

"Yes, Sir, it is; but we are many miles to the northward of Rio, I
understand, for Olivarez knows the coast well. We shall not be in
to-day, if we are to-morrow."

"I feel quite strong now," replied I, "and I want to get up."

"Do so, Sir," said he; "but if you hear any one coming down the ladder
get into bed again."

With Ingram's assistance I dressed myself, and went into the cabin. I
reeled as I walked, but as soon as I felt the cool breeze from the
stern-ports, I was revived, and in an hour I could walk quite strong.

"Have you heard any more?" inquired I of Ingram.

"Olivarez asked me this morning how you were. I replied that you were
recovering fast."

"`Very well,' said he, `you will share his fate, whatever it may be,
since you have been so careful of him, and have put us in such a
dilemma; but I'll contrive to dispose of you both.'

"I made no reply, Sir, as I knew that would only irritate him."

"You did right, Ingram; a few days will decide our fate. I do not think
that he dares to murder us."

"Nor do I think he wishes it, if he can be clear of us with safety to
himself," replied Ingram.

Two days more passed away, and then Ingram told me that we were a few
miles from the town, and should soon be at anchor.

"Go softly," replied I, "and tell me what is going on."

He went up the ladder, but soon came down again, saying, "We are locked
in, Sir."

I was very much annoyed at this, but it could not be helped--our only
remedy was patience; but I must confess that I was in a state of great
anxiety. We heard the anchor let go, and boats came on board, after
which all was silent for the night. The next morning we heard them open
the hatches