"I'll swear to it there were three, at least, if not more." "You hear what he says, whelp; where are the other dogs ?" said the captain.
"If you mean my companions," said I, in a low voice, "I won't tell you." A loud laugh burst from the crew at this answer.
The pirate captain looked at me in surprise.

Then drawing a pistol from his belt, he cocked it and said, "Now, youngster, listen to me.

I've no time to waste here.

If you don't tell me all you know, I'll blow your brains out! Where are your comrades ?" For an instant I hesitated, not knowing what to do in this extremity.
Suddenly a thought occurred to me.
"Villain," said I, shaking my clenched fist in his face, "to blow my brains out would make short work of me, and be soon over.

Death by drowning is as sure, and the agony prolonged, yet, I tell you to your face, if you were to toss me over yonder cliff into the sea, I would not tell you where my companions are, and I dare you to try me!" The pirate captain grew white with rage as I spoke.