determined to resume
the chase which he had abandoned. He returned to the spot where he had
lost sight of his enemy in the swamp, and, after a brief examination of
the place, advanced in as straight a line as he could through the
tangled and interlacing boughs.

Naturally he followed the trail of the pirate, for the difficulties or
peculiar formations of the ground which had influenced the latter in his
course also affected Zeppa much in the same way. Thus it came to pass
that when the Raturans were about to burn their prisoner alive, the
madman was close to their village. But Zeppa did not think of the
Raturans. He had never seen or heard of them, except on the occasion of
their attack on the Mountain-men. His sole desire was to be revenged on
the slayer of his boy. And even in this matter the poor maniac was
still greatly perplexed, for his Christian principles and his naturally
gentle spirit forbade revenge on the one hand, while, on the other, a
sense of justice told him that murder should not go unpunished, or the
murderer remain at large; so that it required the absolute sight of
Rosco before his eyes to rouse him to the pitch of fury necessary to
hold him to the execution of his purpose.

It was while he was advancing slowly, and puzzling his brain over these
considerations, that Rosco's cry for help rang out.

Zeppa recognised the voice, and a dark frown settled on his countenance
as he stopped to listen. Then an appalling yell filled his ears. It
was repeated again and again, as the kindling flames licked round the
pirate's naked feet, causing him to writhe in mortal agony.

Instantly Zeppa was stirred to action. He replied with a tremendous
shout.

Well did the Raturans know that shout. With caught breath and blanched
faces they turned towards the direction whence it came, and they saw the
madman bounding towards them with streaming locks and glaring eyes. A
single look sufficed. The entire population of the village turned and
fled!

Next moment Zeppa rushed up to the stake, and kicked the fire-brands
from beneath the poor victim, who was by that time almost insensible
from agony and smoke. Drawing his knife, Zeppa cut the cords, and,
lifting the pirate in his arms, laid him on the ground.

The madman was terribly excited. He had been drenched from frequent
immersions in the swamp, besides being much exhausted by his long and
difficult walk, or rather, scramble, after a sleepless night; a