256 A VOYAGE IN THE NORTH SEAS. 



be at a different part of the inlet from that named by the captain/' 

 said the man promptly. " If we could not easily part company with 

 you/' continued he, apparently enjoying the astonishment and horror 

 which Frank's countenance displayed at this inhuman intention, " we 

 were to give you what you may give me now if you like an ounce 

 of cold lead among your brains." 



" And how, in the name of Heaven, could he persuade you, 

 who owe me so much gratitude for my constant care of you all, to 

 undertake such a diabolical enterprize ?" said Arundel. 



" I did not say I meant to murder you, Sir," replied the man in a 

 tone of more humility ; " God knows that I could not have done it : 

 but Captain Bellamy knows that he can make us all swing from a 

 spar that never carried canvas, if he chooses ; and a man will do 

 much to get to windward of the gallows, Mr. Arundel." 



te Did he give you his reasons for committing such a cold-blooded 

 crime?" demanded Frank. 



" Why you've taken the wind out of his sails before, it seems, and 

 now you're poling him off from grappling with the trim little craft 

 that you picked up along with us the old merchant's niece, I mean. 

 So he wanted you cleverly out of his way, and we were to do it on 

 the condition of being set on shore quietly in Scotland, with every 

 man ten guineas in his pocket.'' 



" Miss M f Alpine ! he dare to look on her with any emotion save 

 that of profound deference ? 'Sdeath ! I will tear the miscreant limb 



from limb should he I am a fool," continued he, sinking 



his voice, " to waste so much indignation on a reptile. Seaman ! 

 you have told me you were about to leave me to perish on these 

 inhospitable shores, or in a more direct and violent way to murder 

 me. Now, listen to me ! I would be justified in the eyes of God 

 and man in blowing out your brains on the spot. But I am willing 

 to forgive you on account of the circumstances in which you were 

 placed ; and moreover I am willing, and shall be able to reward you 

 richly, if you will assist me to escape with the young lady to the 

 ship. Your companions may murder me by numbers ; but as con- 

 cealment in that case will be impossible, your lives, which your 

 crime was to purchase, will be doubly forfeited. Your interest, as 

 well as your duty, calls upon you to assist me. If you will carry me 

 instantly to the spot where Captain Bellamy is with the boat ; if you 

 will use your influence over your companions to return to the 

 Labrador ; and if you will then bear witness to the tale you have 

 told me ; I solemnly promise, and be assured I shall be able to per- 

 form it, that you shall receive five hundred guineas on our arrival in 

 England, and be set down at any port you choose. If you will not 

 assent to these conditions, I shall shatter one of your legs with my 

 gun, or otherwise disable you ; make for the inlet, and trust to Pro- 

 vidence and a stout heart for the rest. You have my deliberate 

 determination ; let me hear yours." 



How do I know you are able to post the gilt?" asked the man, 



as if weighing the matter in his mind. 

 "Villain! if 



you do not know that, you know this my weapon is 

 within half a score paces of your heart." As Frank spoke, he 



