CHAPTER IV.
IN CONFINEMENT.
The steward—a tall man with a long face, dark gray eyes, and thin lips, advanced, and proceeded to secure the handcuffs to the wrists of the young man.
The latter eyed him sternly, for a few moments, before he ventured to address him.
“What has the captain ever done to you, Joseph,” he then said, “that you should thus turn traitor?”
“He! he! he!” laughed the Portuguese, “Captain Lark more better as Captain Howard. He take de ship to some port and sell him—cargo and all. Den me get big share of de profit.”
Marline had benefited this man in many ways—had often, by kindly interposition, shielded him from the blows of the first mate; had even, on one occasion, saved him from falling overboard while he was aloft assisting the watch to reef the main topsail in a gale of wind; and yet the ungrateful villain seemed now to exult in the misfortunes of his benefactor.
“Where is Alice?” inquired the latter, as the steward locked the handcuffs.
The Portuguese chuckled, but did not reply.
“Speak!” cried the harpooner, fiercely. “Where is she?”
“Why, of course, in de cabin—in her own room—me fasten her in so she can’t get out!”