and his voice shook as he called
out that if any harm came to Mr. Ebrow he would hold every man of the
gang responsible for his life.

'Harm has come to him already,' Jensen answered; 'but not from us, but
from you, his friends. He was hurt in the boats last night by your
fire.'

At this Lancelot gave a groan, and we all felt sick and sorry, while
Jensen, who knew that we could hear, though he could only see Lancelot,
smiled compassionately.

'Do not be alarmed,' he said. 'The godly man is not mortally wounded.
Only his face, which was always far from comely, has not been bettered
by a shot that travelled across the side of the left cheek from jaw to
ear. Now, another man in my place, Lieutenant, knowing the store you set
by the parson, might very well use him to drive a bargain with you. He
is no friend of ours, and the use upon him of a little torture might
induce you to think better of the terms you deny.'

Lancelot grew pale, and he made as if he would speak, but Jensen delayed
him with a wave of the arm.

'Pray let me conclude, Lieutenant Amber,' he went on. 'Another man,
having such a hostage, might use him pretty roughly. But I am not of
that kidney. I want to fight fair. The reverend gentleman is no use to
me. We want no chaplain. He is a friend of yours, and if we win the day
some of you will be glad of his ghostly offices. But he is in our way,
and I cannot answer for the temper of my people if he exhorts us any
more. So I shall be heartily obliged if you will take him off our hands
and relieve me of the responsibility of his presence.'

I had listened to this, as you may believe, in some amazement, and
Lancelot seemed no less surprised. 'What do you mean?' he asked; and
Jensen answered him:

'I mean what I say. You can have your parson. Two of my men, with this
flag, will bring him down, for the poor gentleman is too feeble to walk
alone from loss of blood, and leave him in your charge. After that we
will send no more messages, but fight it out as well as we can till one
or other wins the day.'

He took off his hat as he spoke and made Lancelot a bow; and this time
Lancelot returned his salutation.

'I can only thank you for your offer,' Lancelot said, 'and accept it
gladly. If I cannot change my terms, at least be assured that this
charity shall be remembered to your credit.'

'I ask no more,' Jensen replied; 'and you shall have your man within the
half-hour.'

With that he clapped his hat pr