"What in the name of Satan have we here?" he said. "What does this mean? Who are you, and what are you?"
"I am John Hurdiss, the commander of this vessel," I answered in return, folding my arms also, but keeping as quiet as I could. "I am a plain American seaman. You are my guest, sir, and believe me that no harm will come to you."
"You addressed my granddaughter just now as though you had some claim on her. We are in your power, but—"
"Stay," I cried, lifting my hand. "My words may have been ill chosen, but mark this—I would put a pistol to the man's head whose touch might look to harm her, as I would to my own if my thoughts could threaten treachery. Both you and she are safe, I pledge my honor!"
This speech, which really came from the depths of my heart, had the effect of causing the old gentleman to relax his features somewhat.
"Thank you for this assurance," he said. "Will you tell me whither we are bound, and why you inveigled us, pray, to come on board this skipjack? What plot is this?"
"Oh, pardon me," I laughed; "it was your suggestion, and not mine. Every moment that I spent on board that frigate I was in great danger, and not only I, but these brave fellows who have stood by me so nobly. Besides I had hoped, or at least supposed, that affairs might have turned out differently."
"How so?" inquired Mr. Middleton, raising his eyebrows.
"The necessity for explaining my thoughts, sir, has passed," I answered, tersely. "I was mistaken."