I seated myself upon a chair, and crossed my legs comfortably.
"'Twas the death of the pirates. Drake sent them out and put an end to them in short order."
"And then we will both be set free!" he cried. "Why do they keep us here?"
"The fates fight against us," I answered. "The priest has sworn, and the men, bought by him, have corroborated his statement, that I was the ringleader of the pirates; that I slew Sir Samuel Morton, and I know not what else. To bear them out, it seems that the clothes I have on and the sword that I wore belonged to Morton. They all recognize them, and have persuaded Drake that I am guilty," and I arose and began to pace the floor.
"Infamous!" the boy cried indignantly. "But I will tell them the truth," and he arose.
"It is useless," I replied sadly. "The priest has told them that thou art a boon companion of mine, and they will believe naught that thou wouldst say. In truth it begins to look like the halter. I care not for myself, for I have run my race, but thou art young and thy life lies before thee. I would mourn should harm befall thee. It may be that Drake will free thee, and I will see what can be done."
The lad had risen, and stood facing me, his eyes flashing fire.
"And dost thou think that I would take my own life, when thou dost lose thine? I owe mine to thee—dost think that I would leave thee?"
The moisture stood in my eyes as I looked at him. When all others had deserted me, he had stood faithful and true; there was left some drop of balm in existence while it held such souls as this, few though they be.
"I shall not drive thee away," I said smilingly, "for I am but too glad to have thee with me."