you."

I was surprised at this remark, for I could not imagine why he should
not believe me. However, I made no reply.

"And what," continued the captain, "makes you think that this schooner
is a pirate?"

"The black flag," said I, "showed me what you are; and if any further
proof were wanting, I have had it in the brutal treatment I have
received at your hands."

The captain frowned as I spoke; but, subduing his anger, he continued,
"Boy, you are too bold. I admit that we treated you roughly, but that
was because you made us lose time and gave us a good deal of trouble.
As to the black flag, that is merely a joke that my fellows play off
upon people sometimes in order to frighten them. It is their humour,
and does no harm. I am no pirate, boy, but a lawful trader--a rough
one, I grant you; but one can't help that in these seas, where there are
so many pirates on the water and such murderous blackguards on the land.
I carry on a trade in sandal-wood with the Feejee Islands; and if you
choose, Ralph, to behave yourself and be a good boy, I'll take you along
with me and give you a good share of the profits. You see, I'm in want
of an honest boy like you to look after the cabin, and keep the log, and
superintend the traffic on shore sometimes. What say you, Ralph: would
you like to become a sandal-wood trader?"

I was much surprised by this explanation, and a good deal relieved to
find that the vessel, after all, was not a pirate; but instead of
replying, I said, "If it be as you state, then why did you take me from
my island, and why do you not now take me back?"

The captain smiled as he replied, "I took you off in anger, boy, and I'm
sorry for it. I would even now take you back, but we are too far away
from it. See, there it is," he added, laying his finger on the chart;
"and we are now here--fifty miles, at least. It would not be fair to my
men to put about now, for they have all an interest in the trade."

I could make no reply to this; so, after a little more conversation, I
agreed to become one of the crew--at least, until we could reach some
civilised island where I might be put ashore. The captain assented to
this proposition; and after thanking him for the promise, I left the
cabin and went on deck with feelings that ought to have been lighter,
but which were, I could not tell why, marvellously heavy and
uncomfortable still.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

BLOODY BILL--DARK SURMISES--A STRANGE S