ridges. No comments were made in regard
to this, the pirates having been accustomed to see their commander land
in various places for a day's shooting, the result of which was usually
an acceptable addition of fresh food to their larder.

"Remain by the boat, lads, till we return," said Rosco, leaping out when
the keel grated on the shore. "Come with me, Redford."

The mate obeyed, following his commander towards the same ravine where,
about four years before, they had seen poor Zeppa disappear among the
recesses of the mountain. Redford felt a little surprise, and more than
a little discomfort, at the peculiar conduct of his captain; but he
comforted himself with the thought that if he should attempt any
violence, there was a brace of pistols in his belt, and a cutlass at his
side. He even for a moment meditated using the pistols when he looked
at Rosco's broad back; but he knew that some of the men in the boat had
a sort of sneaking fondness for their captain, and refrained--at least
till he should get out of sight of the boat and into the shelter of the
woods where his actions could not be seen, and any account of the affair
might be coloured to suit his convenience.

Richard Rosco divined pretty well what was passing in his mate's mind.
He also knew that as long as they were in sight of the boat, his enemy
would not dare to injure him; he therefore threw his rifle carelessly
over his shoulder, and walked with the most easy air of nonchalance over
the strip of level land that lay between the sea and the forest that
fringed the mountain base.

On the instant of entering the mouth of the ravine, however, he wheeled
suddenly round and said--

"Now, Redford, you will lead the way, and I will direct you."

The mate was startled, and his right hand moved, as if by involuntary
impulse, toward the handle of a pistol.

Instantly the muzzle of the captain's rifle was pointed at his breast.

"Drop your hand!" he said sternly. "Another such threat, and I will
shoot you with as much indifference as I would a sneaking dog. Now go
on and do as I bid you."

Redford gave in at once. He was at Rosco's mercy. Without a word he
passed on in advance, and ascended the ravine with a quick, steady step.
To say the truth, he knew well that while his commander, on the one
hand, would not threaten what he did not mean to perform, on the other
hand he would never shed human blood needlessly. He therefore felt less
troubled th