We intend to try to slip our anchors, and make a bolt for it.

We are awfully sorry that we have got into this scrape." To this epistle the boys both signed their names, and as the muleteer had not provided himself with envelopes, the letter was roughly folded and directed,-- "Captain Stuart, H.M.S.

'Falcon.'" Another letter, embodying the same in the form of a demand, was then written, after much consultation, by the brigands, with postscript stating that if the bearer were in any way molested, the prisoners would at once be put to death.

The youngest of the party, a peasant of some twenty years old, was then selected, and to him the letters were given, with full instructions as to his conduct.
During the next two days, the boys maintained their appearance of extreme despondency.

They lay on the ground with their faces buried in their arms, and at times strolled listlessly about.