sign that he knew me. There was wine and other
refreshment upon the table, of which he was invited to partake, but
declined, and then, after some further conversation between us, Captain
Smuts, according to arrangement, made excuse to go on deck, leaving
Thedori and I alone together.

Thedori was the first to speak, and I could see that his small black
eyes glittered dangerously when he looked at me.

"We have met before, senor," he said, addressing me, as he had done at
our first meeting, as though I was a Spaniard.

"Yes," I answered; "I was once the King's guest, welcomed with fair
words, and offered the hospitality of his kingdom. Yet, had not chance
intervened, I doubt I had been here to-day to welcome the King as a
guest, in my turn, aboard this vessel."

Thedori rose, and went to the cabin door. It was locked, but he showed
no surprise at finding himself a prisoner. He had probably heard the
captain turn the key on the other side of the door when he went out.

"What is it you want of me?" he asked, coming back to the table and
resuming his seat. He spoke with assumed carelessness, but I could see
that his face was livid. I pushed the wine-jar toward him.

"Drink," I said. "You will need it. The wine is not poisoned."

With the ghost of a smile he filled a goblet which stood at his elbow,
but his hand shook when he raised it to his lips.

And now the noise of the anchor being hove aboard, and the usual
commotion on deck preparatory to setting sail, arrested his attention.

"Come," said he, "I would make terms with you. What is it you want."

But at this I shook my head.

"Promises and fair words once broken cannot be repeated," I answered.
"Besides, I am not alone in this business. There are others who must be
consulted. But you will soon learn the terms of your ransom."

At this I thought he appeared relieved. He probably expected that we
intended to murder him.

I had given instructions for a prize crew to be put on board the
frigate, so that both vessels might leave the harbour together and
presently I felt, by the motion of the ship, that the "Speedwell" was
at sea.

During our passage to the place where Hartog awaited us, King Thedori
and I continued to sit, one on each side of the cabin table, without
speaking, and when we had cast anchor, and Hartog joined us, Thedori,
who had made up his mind to the inevitable, calmly awaited our terms,
which, stated briefly, were that he should pay for his