Seated on a camp-stool at the table, and busily engaged in examining a chart of the Pacific, was the captain, who looked up as I entered, and, in a quiet voice, bade me be seated, while he threw down his pencil, and, rising from the table, stretched himself on a sofa at the upper end of the cabin.
"Boy," said he, looking me full in the face, "what is your name ?" "Ralph Rover," I replied.
"Where did you come from, and how came you to be on that island?
How many companions had you on it?
Answer me, now, and mind you tell no lies." "I never tell lies," said I, firmly.
The captain received this reply with a cold sarcastic smile, and bade me answer his questions.
I then told him the history of myself and my companions from the time we sailed till the day of his visit to the island, taking care, however, to make no mention of the Diamond Cave.

After I had concluded, he was silent for a few minutes; then, looking up, he said--"Boy, I believe 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.