le for him to stand,
much less to walk. But Zeppa had long ago cleared away all the wild
fruits that grew in the neighbourhood of his cave, so that he found
nothing save a few wild berries. Still, in his condition, even these
were of the utmost value: they helped to keep him alive. Another night
passed, and the day came. He crept forth once more, but was so weakened
by suffering and want that he could not extend his explorations so far
as before, and was compelled to return without having tasted a mouthful.
Taking a long draught of water, he lay down, as he firmly believed, to
die.

And as he lay there his life rose up before him as an avenging angel,
and the image of his dead mother returned with a reproachful yet an
appealing look in her eyes. He tried to banish the one and to turn his
thoughts from the other, but failed, and at last in an agony of remorse,
shouted the single word "Guilty!"

It seemed as if the cry had called Zeppa from the world of spirits--to
which Rosco believed he had fled--for a few minutes afterwards the
madman approached his mountain-home, with the blood still boiling in his
veins. Apparently he had forgotten all about the pirate, for he was
startled on beholding him.

"What! still there? I thought I had killed you."

"I wish you had, Zeppa. It would have been more merciful than leaving
me to die of hunger here."

"Are you prepared to die now?"

"Yes, but for God's sake give me something to eat first. After that I
care not what you do to me."

"Miserable man, death is sufficient for you. I have neither command nor
desire to torture. You shall have food immediately."

So saying, Zeppa re-entered the bush. In less than half-an-hour he
returned with several cocoa-nuts and other fruits, of which Rosco
partook with an avidity that told its own tale.

"Now," said Zeppa, rising, when Rosco had finished, "have you had
enough?"

"No," said the pirate, quickly, "not half enough. Go, like a good
fellow, and fetch me more."

Zeppa rose at once and went away. While he was gone the fear of being
murdered again took possession of Rosco. He felt that his last hour was
approaching, and, in order to avoid his doom if possible, crawled away
among the bushes and tried to hide himself. He was terribly weak,
however, and had not got fifty yards away when he fell down utterly
exhausted.

He heard Zeppa return to the cave, and listened with beating heart.

"Hallo! where are you?" crie