However, I affected not to be greatly alarmed at the threat.
"Tim can take care of himself," said I, sitting down to load my pistol; "but since that is your game, I'll save the hangman a job." And I levelled the weapon at his face.
"Mercy, Mr Gallagher," he cried all in a tremble.

"Sure, I was only joking.

I wouldn't let out on Captain Tim for the world.

Come now, won't you believe me ?" His face was such a picture of terror and panic that I was almost sorry for him.

His fellow-prisoner, too, who stood a good chance of the fag- end of my bullet, was equally piteous in his protestations.
"Mark this," said I, lowering the pistol, to their great relief, "there's more eyes on you and your confederates than you think.