I own that I shuddered as his glance fell upon me; and we were all more or less disquieted by our rough seizure and the uncertainty of the fate that awaited us.
This man—the red giant—was undoubtedly the leader of the outlaw band, for having pulled our boat upon the beach and dragged Bryonia to a position beside it, all eyes were turned enquiringly upon him.
He strode forward a few steps, fixed his eyes firmly upon Uncle Naboth, and said:
“Did you leave anyone aboard the ship?”
I gave a start of surprise. The voice of the huge bandit was as gentle and soft as that of a woman.
“No,” said my uncle.
“I guess, Major, we’ve got ’em all now,” remarked one of the men.
The giant nodded and turned again to Uncle Naboth.
“You must pardon us, sir, for our seeming rudeness,” said he, with a politeness that seemed absolutely incongruous, coming from his coarse, hairy lips. “My men and I are in desperate straights, and only desperate remedies will avail to save us. I beg you all to believe that we have no personal enmity toward you whatever.” Then he turned to his men, and with a wave of his hand added: “Bring them along.”
Thereat we were jerked from our seats in the boat and led away over the sands toward the edge of the jungle. I noticed that our arms and provisions, being confiscated, were carried into one of the huts, but we ourselves were dragged past these and through an opening in the trees just large enough to admit us single file.