A deep-toned whispering ensued, and it seemed to Murray that the huge black who had so much startled him by his appearance before was eagerly whispering to his recovered friend.
“Big Tullus,” whispered Caesar. “Say Massa Huggin men come along. Murray Frank come along quick.”
“Yes, but I tell you I cannot leave my brother midshipman,” whispered Murray.
“No, sah,” said the black. “Big Tullus take um ’long on back.”
“But you must be careful,” whispered Murray. “He is wounded.”
“Big Tullus fellow take care,” replied the black, and he whispered to his invisible companion, with the result that, in spite of the darkness, Murray made out that poor Roberts, who moaned slightly, was easily lifted up, and the huge black seemed to have no difficulty in throwing the slightly-made wounded lad over his shoulder as if he had been a child.
“Now massa, come quick,” whispered the black.
“But will your black friend keep up with us in the dark?”
“Yes, massa. Caesar knock um head off if don’t. Him Caesar man. Come and tell young massa um find young sailor. Now carry other one. Come along quick, ’fore sailor crew find um and catch um. Now Murray Frank hear?”
“Oh yes, I hear plainly enough,” replied Murray. “Now lead on.”