He fell like a log.
In a moment his captors were upon him. One of them fiercely raised his ax to brain the defenseless man.
But another caught his arm, and thrusting his helmet against his, shouted:
“Avast there, Parker! Don’t kill him yet!”
“Why not, Warren? Let go of my arm! There is no reason why I should spare his life!”
“Yes, there is!”
“What is it?”
“It is likely that he can give us information in regard to the galleon’s gold. At any rate do not kill him yet, messmate.”
Captain Warren’s admonition had its effect upon Gilbert Parker. The would-be murderer lowered his ax.
“All right, Warren,” he said; “perhaps you’re right after all.”