The supposed animal started as the youth spoke, and rose on his knees
with a terribly haggard and anxious look.

"Richard Rosco!" exclaimed Orley, who recognised the pirate at the first
glance.

But Rosco did not reply. He, too, had recognised Orley, despite the
change in his size and appearance, and believed him to be a visitant
from the other world, an idea which was fostered by the further
supposition that Ebony was the devil keeping him company.

Orlando soon relieved him, however. The aspect of the pirate, so
haggard and worn out, as he crawled on his hands and knees, was so
dreadful that a flood of pity rushed into his bosom.

"My poor fellow," he said, going forward and laying his hand gently on
his shoulder, "this is indeed a most unexpected, most amazing sight.
How came you here?"

"Then you were not drowned?" gasped the pirate, instead of answering the
question.

"No, thank God. I was not drowned," said Orley, with a sad smile. "But
again I ask, How came you here?"

"Never mind me," said Rosco hurriedly, "but go to your father."

"My father! Do you know, then, where he is?" cried Orlando, with sudden
excitement.

"Yes. He is up there--not far off. I have just escaped from him. He
is bent on taking my life. He saved me from the savages. He is mad--
with fever--and stands terribly in need of help."

Bewildered beyond expression by these contradictory statements, Orlando
made no attempt to understand, but exclaimed--

"Can you guide us to him?"

"You see," returned the pirate sadly, "I cannot even rise to my feet.
The savages were burning me alive when your father came to my rescue.
The flesh is dropping from the bones. I cannot help you."

"Kin you git on my back?" asked Ebony. "You's a good lift, but I's
awful strong."

"I will try," returned Rosco, "but you will have to protect me from
Zeppa if he sees me, for he is bent on taking my life. He thinks that
you were drowned--as, indeed, so did I--the time that you were thrown
overboard without my knowledge--mind that, _without my knowledge_--and
your father in his madness thinks he is commissioned by God to avenge
your death. Perhaps, when he sees you alive, he may change his mind,
but there is no depending on one who is delirious with fever. He will
probably still be in the cave when we reach it."

"We will protect you. Get up quickly, and show us the way to the cave."

In a moment the stout negro had the pirate on his broad s