How long have you been with them ?" He glanced about warily, lowering his voice until it became a hoarse whisper.
"Three years, mate, and most of that time has been hell.

I haven't even been ashore, but once, and that was on an island.

These fellows don't put any trust in my kind, nor give them any chance to cut and run.

Once in awhile a lad does get away, but most of them are caught; and those that are sure get their punishment.

They never try it again.
I've seen them staked out on the sand, and left to die; that ain't no nice thing to remember." "But how did you come into it ?" "Like most of the rest.