"

"Still I ask you, what has become of the boy? for a boy was on your
decks this afternoon."

"If there was one, I presume he has gone on shore again."

"Answer me another question; which of you threw him overboard?"

At this query of the officer, Fleming started, while Marables cried out,
"It was not I; I would have saved him. O that the boy were here to
prove it!"

"I am here, Marables," said I, coming on deck, "and I am witness that
you tried to save me, until you were struck senseless by that ruffian,
Fleming, who threw me overboard, that I might not give evidence as to
the silver and gold which I found in the cabin; and which I overheard
him tell you must be put into sacks and sunk, as two of the men had
'peached."

Fleming, when he saw me, turned round, as if not to look at me. His
face I could not see; but after remaining a few seconds in that
position, he held out his hands in silence for the handcuffs, which the
officer had already taken out of his pocket. Marables, on the contrary,
sprang forward as soon as I had finished speaking, and caught me in his
arms.

"My fine, honest boy! I thank God--I thank God! All that he has said
is true, sir. You will find the goods sunk astern, and the buoy-rope to
them fastened to the lower pintle of the rudder. Jacob, thank God, you
are safe! I little thought to see you again. There, sir," continued he
to the officer, holding out his hands, "I deserve it all. I had not
strength of mind enough to be honest."

The handcuffs were put on Marables as well as on Fleming, and the
officer, allowing me time to go down and put on my clothes, hauled up
the sacks containing the valuables, and leaving two hands in charge of
the barge, rowed ashore with us all in the boat. It was then about
three o'clock in the morning, and I was very glad when we arrived at the
receiving-house, and I was permitted to warm myself before the fire. As
soon as I was comfortable, I laid down on the bench and fell fast
asleep.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

ONE OF THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE.--UP BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES, THEN DOWN
THE RIVER AGAIN IN THE LIGHTER.--THE TOMS.--A LIGHT HEART UPON TWO
STICKS.--RECEIVE MY FIRST LESSON IN SINGING.--OUR LIGHTER WELL-MANNED
WITH TWO BOYS AND A FRACTION.

I did not awake the next morning till roused by the police, who brought
us up before the magistrates. The crowd that followed appeared to make
no distinction between the prisoners and the witness, and re