"'"But how does it happen that you consented to have a hand in my abduction?"
"'"Well, captain, we've been doing a little smuggling."
"'"That is very apparent."
"'"And night before last two men came to us,—that is one of them lying there now."
"'He pointed to the dead man in the bow as he spoke.
"'"Throw him into the sea," I said, curtly.
"'"And the other man?" I inquired, as soon as this order had been obeyed.
"'"He is down in the hold. He is the man you wounded in the arm."
"'"And how did these men induce you and Bezelek to become their accomplices?"
"'"They said: 'Bezelek, there are fifty guineas ready for you if you will consent to take a man we will bring to you to England. We do not intend to injure him in any way; but if he resists, you and your men will be expected to lend a hand in gagging and binding him, and placing him in the hold of your fishing-smack. You will be paid twenty-five guineas in advance, and twenty-five more on your arrival at Folkestone.' As there seemed to be no great harm in the proceeding, the offer tempted Bezelek and he agreed to do what the men asked. But I swear that I had no idea it was you. If I had, I would never have had anything to do with the affair."