"Lively now." "Shall we unloose the ropes, sir ?" "Yes; fasten the door, and leave a guard.

Stow away the boat, Broussard.

Everything ready, Captain." I went down a broad stairway, shining brass rails on either side, which led to a spacious after-cabin.

A table extended its full length, already set for a meal, and a round-faced negro, in white serving jacket, grinned at me, as the men pressed me between them into a narrow passage leading forward.

A moment later I was unceremoniously thrust into a small apartment on the right, the ropes about my wrists loosened, and the door shut and locked behind me.