rd, has
found out that I bring the food to you, and does not seem well pleased.
Why, I cannot exactly understand, as I should have thought he would
rather have you strong and well than weak and sick, as you would be if
you had no better food than that brown bread; however, I shall know more
about the matter to-morrow. I will bring you word if I can."

The morning came, but Sam did not appear, and, as before, they were
marched away with the rest of the slaves to their daily toil. For three
days after this they heard nothing of Sam, while they were obliged to
subsist on the coarse fare supplied to the slaves. Their condition was
now becoming very trying. They talked over all the plans they could
possibly think of to effect their escape. Jumbo was willing to try and
get off to carry a letter to Tangiers, but he warned them that he might
very likely be captured and lose his life in making the attempt, and
they were unwilling to expose him to so much danger. The other slaves
told them of the dreadful punishment which had been inflicted on several
of their number who had attempted to escape, while, so far as they knew,
not one had succeeded. It seemed to them that they were doomed to spend
the remainder of their lives in bondage, and worse bondage than that of
Israel. The Jews, at all events, had plenty to eat, whereas they were
almost starved; still, like brave lads as they were, they endeavoured to
keep up their spirits. At length one morning, after they had endured
for upwards of a fortnight the sort of life which has been described,
their eyes were gladdened by the sight of Sam walking into the
court-yard just as their morning meal had been served out.

"I am thankful to say that I have been able to bring you some food,
young gentlemen, and Captain Hamet has sent me to say that you are to go
aboard the _Tiger_, the ship he commands."

"But the vessel is a pirate!" exclaimed Stephen, "and we shall be
assisting them in their evil deeds. I would rather remain here and toil
as a wretched slave than turn corsair."

"So would I," said Roger. "Tell Captain Hamet that we will not obey his
orders."

"Very sorry to hear you say that, Master Willoughby," said Sam. "You
see it is not a matter of choice; the Captain has the power to make you
do what he wishes, whether you like it or not."

"There is an old saying that you may take a horse to water, but you
cannot make him drink," said Stephen; "he may carry us aboard