sked Rosco, with some curiosity.

"For tie up our enemies when we's catch dem. Dis way, you understan'."

As he spoke, Ebony passed the loop over Rosco's shoulders and drew it
tight so as to render his arms powerless, and before the latter realised
what he was about his legs were also securely bound.

"Surely you do not mean to keep me here by force!" cried Rosco angrily.

"I's much afraid, massa, dat's zactly what I mean!"

"Come, come, Ebony, you have carried this jest far enough. Unbind me!"

"Berry sorry to disoblige you, massa, but dat's impossible just now."

"I command you, sir, to undo this rope!" cried Rosco fiercely.

"Dere's a good deal ob de ole ring about dat, sar, but you's not a pirit
cappen now, an' I ain't one ob de pirit crew."

Rosco saw at once the absurdity of giving way to anger, and restrained
himself.

"But you cannot restrain my voice, Ebony," he continued, "and I promise
you that I will shout till I am heard."

"Shout away, massa, much as you please. Bu'st you's lungs if you like,
for you's in de bow'ls ob de hill here."

Rosco felt that he was in the negro's powers and remained silent.

"I's berry sorry to leave you tied up," said Ebony, rising to quit the
place, "but when men is foolish like leetil boys, dey must be treat de
same. De straw will keep you comf'rable. I daren't leave de torch, but
I'll soon send you food by a sure messenger, and come back myself soon
as iver I can."

"Stay, Ebony, I'm at your mercy, and as no good can come of my remaining
bound, I must give in. Will you unbind me if I promise to remain
quiet?"

"Wid pleasure," said the negro cheerfully, as his glistening teeth
showed themselves. "You promise to wait here till I come for you?"

"I promise."

"An' you promise not to shout?"

"I do."

In a moment the rope was cast off, and Rosco was free. Then Ebony,
bidding him keep up his heart, glided out of the cavern and left him in
profound darkness.

Captain Fitzgerald searched the island high and low, far and wide,
without success, being guided during the search chiefly by Ebony.

That wily negro, on returning to the village, found that the search had
already begun. The captain had taken care that no one, save those to
whom he had already spoken, should know what or who he was searching
for, so that the pirate might not be prematurely alarmed. Great,
therefore, was his surprise when he was accosted by the negro, and asked
in a mysterious