I would."

Surly Dick's expression of countenance when he said this was a
sufficient guarantee that he was in earnest.

"There is an island somewhere hereabout," said the lieutenant, "where
the pirates are in the habit of hiding sometimes, is there not?"

Surly Dick looked at his questioner slyly, as he replied, "There is,
sir."

"Do you not think it very likely that they may have run there now,--that
they may be there at this moment?"

"It's _oncommon_ likely," replied Dick, with a grin.

"Can you direct me how to steer, in order to reach that island?"

Surly Dick's aspect changed. He became morose again, and looked silently
at his feet for a few moments, as if he were debating something in his
own mind. He was, in truth, perplexed; for, while he was extremely
anxious to bring his hated comrades to justice, he was by no means so
anxious to let the lieutenant into the secret of the treasures contained
in the caverns of the Isle of Palms, all of which he knew would be at
once swept hopelessly beyond his grasp if they should be discovered. He
also reflected that if he could only manage to get his late companions
comfortably hanged, and himself set free for having turned King's
evidence against them, he could return to the island and abstract the
wealth it contained by degrees. The brilliant prospect thus opened up to
him was somewhat marred, however, by the consideration that some of the
pirates might make a confession and let this secret be known, in which
case his golden dreams would vanish. The difficulty of making up his
mind was so great that he continued for some time to twist his fingers
and move his feet uneasily in silence.

Mulroy observed the pirate's indecision, and, although he knew not its
cause to the full extent, he was sufficiently acquainted with human nature
to know that now was the moment to overcome the man, if he was to be
overcome at all.

"Well, well," he said, carelessly; "I'm sorry to see you throw away your
only chance. As for the information you refuse to give. I can do without
it. Perhaps I may find some of your late comrades when we make the
island, who will stand witness against _you_. That will do, my man; you
may go. Mr. Geoffrey" (turning to a midshipman), "will you accompany
that pirate forward, and see that he is put in irons?"

"But you don't know where the island is," said Surly Dick, anxiously, as
the lieutenant was turning away.

Mulroy turned back: "No," said he; "but