as prepared, in which three pigs
and a vast number of potatoes formed the principal dishes.

But there was an abundance of fruit, and bowls of a peculiar gruel-like
food, quantities of which were served out to the wretched prisoners,
where they squatted together, as dismal a group as could be imagined,
and compared their own state with that of the victors, whose reception
was almost frantic, and whose spoil was passed from hand to hand, to be
marvelled at, or laughed at with contempt.

At another time Don would have turned with disgust from the unattractive
mess offered to him, but hunger and thirst made him swallow it eagerly,
and the effect was wonderful.

A short time before he had felt ready to lay down and die; but, after
partaking of the food, he was ready to accept Jem's suggestion that they
should bathe their hands and faces in the rushing water that foamed by
close at hand, the conquerors being too much occupied with their singing
and feasting to pay much heed to them. So they crept to the rocky edge
of the clear, sparkling water, and to their surprise found that it was
quite warm.

But it was none the less refreshing, and as they half lay afterwards on
the sun-warmed rock at the side, watching suspiciously every act of
their new masters, in dread of that horror which sent a chill through
both, they felt the refreshing glow send new life and strength through
them, and as if their vigour were returning with every breath they drew.

"Feel better, Mas' Don?"

"Yes, much."

"So 'm I. If it wasn't for the hole in my shoulder, and it being so
stiff, I shouldn't be long before I was all right."

"Does it pain you very much?"

"Come, that's better, Mas' Don," said Jem.

"Better?"

"Yes; you're looking up again, and taking a bit o' interest in things.
You quite frightened me, you seemed so down. My shoulder? Well, it do
give it me pretty tidy. I thought I should have had to squeal when I
was washing just now. But my legs are all right, Mas' Don. How's
yourn?"

"My legs?"

"Yes. How soon shall we be ready to cut away?"

"Hush!"

"Oh! There's no one here understands English. When shall it be--
to-night?"

"First time there is an opportunity, Jem," said Don, softly.

"That's so, my lad; so every time you get a chance, you eat; and when
you don't eat you drink, and lie down all you can."

"Do you think any of the men here would try to escape with us?"

Jem shook his head.

"I don't unde