LEAVES FROM A LOG. 475 



Saying this, the worthy pair left the copse the way they entered it 

 without seeing me ; thus relieving me from a terrible situation. Had 

 they discovered me, I don't suppose they would have inquired whe- 

 ther I understood them ; but as they were armed and I was not, I 

 should have doubtless been dispatched in accordance with their 

 prudent maxim, <e dead men tell no tales !" 



After a pause I ventured to draw a long breath, which I scarcely 

 dared to do while the villains were within ear-shot. I did not so 

 much wonder at overhearing that they were pirates this I suspected 

 the moment I got near them ; but the captain coolly declaring his 

 determination of murdering his brave companion who had saved his 

 life, while this treacherous and bloodthirsty vagabond persuaded 

 himself that he was doing what he called an act of common humanity, 

 was a trait in the history of human nature quite new to me. 



The breeze that the pirate had noticed was springing up, and I 

 went down to the beach to seek the companions of my overland jaunt, 

 and find the Englishman, whose life was to be attempted by his com- 

 rade. Scarcely had I made the beach ere I saw the lieutenant of the 

 pirate brigantine in conversation with the cockswain of a boat in 

 which were seated my two companions. I went to the shore ; Wilson 

 was coming from it ; I informed him of the conversation I overheard 

 as briefly as I could ; he heard me with a coolness that astonished 

 me, while his lips curled with a bitter smile. After a pause, he ex- 

 claimed : 



" Miserable wretch ! I saved his life ! no matter I thank you, 

 although I was already acquainted with his intentions respecting me ; 

 the negro cook, whom the captain and the Portuguese were to have 

 made the instrument of my destruction, was once saved from being 

 flogged by my interference ; the man has some gratitude, and has in- 

 formed me of their plan, I have half a mind to blow that murderous 

 traitor's brains out;" and he clutched his pistol with a desperate 

 energy. " No, that act might betray what we all are, and involve 

 the whole in ruin. I intend leaving them ; I thank you, Sir, for the 

 concern you have shown for my safety." 



" Pardon that concern," said I, " if it causes me to say, from ad- 

 missions I overheard, made by the man who planned your death, that I 

 judge you to be formed by nature for something better than a pirate." 

 The mariner turned aside his face. " Let me warn you, ere it be too 

 late, to turn from the terrible trade you have chosen ; you have just 

 escaped from death you have yet time for repentance." 



The pirate's countenance again assumed a bitter smile. " Repent- 

 ance !" he paused and then burst into a half-frantic laugh." Rer 

 Eentance ! no ! remorse I have felt to madness !" He struck his 

 wehead with his hand, and his eyes gleamed with insanity. " But 

 repentance ! when one drop of water can quench the eternal flame of 

 hell, then may repentance wipe off the load of crime that hangs on 

 this heart ! Farewell, friend ; I am grateful to you, and I would 

 offer you my hand, but it is red, even to the wrist, with blood !" 

 Saying this, the unhappy man abruptly left me ; and joining my com- 

 panions in the boat, the strong current of the Orinoco, aided by four 

 lusty oars, soon bore me back to the schooner I had quitted. 



