"Well, now, you go and apologize to Miss Weems and fix matters, d'ye
hear?"

"But what can we do?"

"Do? Undo what you've done, and show her back into the boat."

"But the two abo"--

"Damn them and you along with 'em! Come, boys, don't let's keep the lady
waiting thar."

The party approached their prisoners, and one among them, hat in hand,
respectfully addressed Oriana.

"Miss Weems, we're plaguy sorry this should 'a happened. It's a mistake
and none of our fault. Your boat's down thar and yer shan't be
merlested."

"Am I free to go?" asked Oriana, calmly.

"Free as air, Miss Weems."

"With my companions?"

"No, they remain with us," said Rawbon.

"Then I remain with them," she replied, with dignity and firmness.

The man who had first remonstrated with Rawbon, stepped up to him and