waiting to be further questioned, I launched out into a glowing
account of the happy life that Jack and Peterkin and I had spent
together, and related minutely every circumstance that befell us
while on the island.

"Boy, boy," said Bill, in a voice so deep that it startled me,
"this is no place for you."

"That's true," said I; "I'm of little use on board, and I don't
like my comrades; but I can't help it, and at anyrate I hope to be
free again soon."

"Free?" said Bill, looking at me in surprise.

"Yes, free," returned I; "the captain said he would put me ashore
after this trip was over."

"THIS TRIP! Hark'ee, boy," said Bill, lowering his voice, "what
said the captain to you the day you came aboard?"

"He said that he was a trader in sandal-wood and no pirate, and
told me that if I would join him for this trip he would give me a
good share of the profits or put me on shore in some civilized
island if I chose."

Bill's brows lowered savagely as he muttered, "Ay, he said truth
when he told you he was a sandal-wood trader, but he lied when - "

"Sail ho!" shouted the look-out at the masthead.