turned a supplicatory look at his captor.

Thereupon the brigand nodded vehemently, as before.

And now one thing yet remained for David to explain, and that was,
his own position. He wished to tell the brigand that he knew he
was in his power, and that he would pay any ransom, if he would
only restore him to his friends.

To explain this, David took the big hand of the brigand, and put
it upon his head, stooping down low as he did so. Then he waved
his arms all around, and mournfully shook his head. Which meant,
that he was in the brigand's power, and would not and could not
escape. Then he drew forth his purse, tapped it several times, held
it out to the brigand, waved his hands towards Naples, slapped his
breast, and pointed to the brigand and to himself. Which meant,
that he would pay any money, that he had friends in Naples who
would treat with the brigand for his release on his own terms.
Having explained this much, David stopped, for he felt that there
was nothing more for him to do, and watched the effect of his story,
and his concluding offer.

The brigand seemed gratified. He nodded several times gravely and
thoughtfully. Then he looked at the boat, and then at David, and
then at the sea. To David it seemed as if the brigand was trying
to trace the boat's devious track over the water, so as to see
whether his story was true or not. He did not offer any further
explanations, but allowed the brigand to think it out for himself.
That worthy accordingly devoted his mind to the consideration of
the situation for some time, until at length he seemed to have
mastered it, and also to have come to a decision about his own
course of conduct.

He reached out his brawny hand, and laid it on David's head. After
which he pointed to himself, and nodded.

By this David saw, unmistakably, that the brigand was claiming
him as his own captive. Although the fact was already painfully
evident, yet this formal statement of it produced a very depressing
effect upon David's mind, and made him feel that he had been
indulging in hopes too soon. Then the brigand waved his hand
towards the fields, and the cottage beyond the grove. After this,
he waved his hand in a general direction, and then swept it over
the surrounding scene. He pointed to the island and nodded,
pointed to Naples and shook his head.

By which David understood him to say, "You are my prisoner. I live
in that house. You shall be kept there. You can't escape.