I'd give a good sum, if I had it to give, to be back on her decks again." The band was soon astir, but for some hours nothing was done.

They were evidently waiting for the arrival of some one, as one or other of the bandits went frequently to the edge of the plateau and looked down.
At last one of them announced to his comrades that the person expected was in sight, and shortly afterwards the muleteer of the previous day appeared.

Over his shoulder hung a heavy skin of wine.

In his hand he carried a large basket, in which were several loaves of coarse bread.
His arrival was hailed with a shout.

A fresh supply of meat had been placed on the fire immediately his coming was reported, and in a short time the meal was prepared, the meat being washed down by horns of the rough wine of the country.
The lads had been again unbound when the band awoke, and were, as before, invited to share the meal.