descending into that loathsome den. For strange
noises--low mutterings, and harsh whisperings--were going on; and
directly after, to his horror, Mark's voice rang out in wildly excited
tones, just as there were the sounds of a struggle going on.

"Here, men--Mr Russell! Help--quick!" shouted Mark; and in response
thereto the lieutenant shouted to the boat's crew to come on, took a
step downward to lead the way, and then stepped back as the lesser of
the two black sailors suddenly appeared at the hatchway with his face
wild with excitement, and his white duck frock and trousers horribly
stained with blood.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

INTERPRETING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

"Come _on_!"

Bravery or determination, whichever you please, say both, were displayed
by Mark Vandean as he fought horror and disgust in his effort to do his
duty and master self.

Stepping quickly down, he stood at the bottom of the ladder in utter
darkness once more, listening to the strange whispering, thrilling noise
about him, while first one and then the other black cautiously descended
with the bucket of water he bore.

By the time they were in the hold his sight was beginning to grow
accustomed to the change from the bright glare of sunshine on deck, and
once more there were faint suggestions of glistening eyes watching him
out of the cave-like darkness, as if so many savage beasts were about to
spring.

But he had no time to think of his own feelings, for the two blacks now
stood gazing at him inquiringly, and with some trace of their old
suspicious aspect lingering still.

"Water--to drink," said Mark: and he pointed away into the darkness.

They understood him, and dipping the pannikins full, they took each a
step into the darkness, and held out the precious fluid toward those who
must have been suffering agonies for its want. But no one stirred--not
an advance was made, to Mark's great surprise, for he had anticipated
that the black faces of his ambassadors would have been sufficient to
make the prisoners feel confidence that no harm was intended.

"Go closer," said Mark; and the two blacks looked back at him
inquiringly, but obeyed as soon as he laid his hand upon their shoulders
and pressed them forward.

Then a voice broke the silence, the big black saying a few words in his
own tongue, their effect being magical. A low murmur ran through the
hold, and a harsh voice croaked out what was evidently a question, for
the big black a