I wonder ef they mean to starve us to death.
Strikes me that's an awful mean way uv killin' a man.

He not only dies but he's so terrible hungry sech a long time." But Long Jim's forebodings were not fulfilled.

When the light that came through the little windows began to grow dusky, the door was thrown open and Luiz and another man entered with food and water.

Luiz could not speak English, but he could make pantomime, and in that dumb but suggestive way he invited them to partake freely.

Long Jim's good humor returned.
"Don't keer ef I do, Mr.Spaniard," he said jovially.