"I am prepared to listen," said the captain; "I suppose you think I deceived you, or the young girl was gone."
"It was our opinion, sir."
"Don't be in the least uneasy," said the captain, "I only secured the girl as a hostage for my own safety."
"A hostage!" replied Oliver.
"Yes. I have an important question to treat of with her tribe. But let us speak of our own affairs."
"I don't understand you."
"I will explain, and you will find that all that has taken place today has been caused by yourself."
"Really," cried Oliver, "I understand you less and less."
"I have no doubt you are astonished," said the captain; "but we can come to an explanation in a few words, M. Oliver."
"You know my name."