"Wait a bit--a man who can tackle a bloodhound and choke the life out of him is pretty determined," said Brack. Dick acknowledged as much and said the circumstances were out of the common. He was interested in the old sailor's tale. He did not know whether to admire what Brack had done or to condemn it; he put himself in his place, wondering how he would have acted under similar circumstances. Brack watched him, a peculiar smile on his face. "Goin' to give me away?" he asked. Dick laughed as he answered: "I was thinking whether you were right or wrong." "Guessed as much. I was right to give such a man another chance. He's no coward, not he, and guilty men are all cowards," said Brack. "Who is the man?" "Don't know; he wouldn't tell me, but he said he was a lifer. He didn't seem very keen about his capture." "You mean he seemed glad the man had escaped?" said Dick, surprised. "I guessed as much from his face," said Brack, "and I reckon there's worse judges than me of human nature--that's what makes me think he's innocent--like Bill." "It's all very interesting, but pull to the _Sea-mew_," said Dick. "About time," said Brack, as he started rowing again. They were soon alongside the yacht. Picton had just come on deck again from the saloon. He hailed Dick cheerfully. "Well, early bird, what's brought you here at this time?" he said, smiling. "Wished to welcome you, most mighty rider of winners," laughed Dick as he got out of the boat and stood on the steps of the gangway. "Here you are, Brack, and thanks for your story; it was thrilling." Brack touched his cap as he said: "And it's true, and there's heaps of things thrilling that ain't true," and he pulled away. "Brack been spinning yarns?" said Picton, who knew the old man. "A real shocker this time." "What about?" "A fellow escaped from Dartmoor the other day. It's worth hearing; I'll tell you all about it later on," said Dick. Picton Woodridge staggered backwards. At first Dick thought he was about to fall. He looked at him in astonishment. "What's the matter, Pic?" he asked. "Curious fit of faintness came over me; I'm all right now," said Picton, but Dick thought he didn't look it. CHAPTER III THE MAN ON THE ROAD Dick Langford told Brack's story to Picton Woodridge and Captain Ben. Both listened attentively: it was immensely interesting to them. From time to time Ben looked at his friend to see how he took it. Dick, absorbed in his tale, did not notice the look of strained attention on their faces. They were silent when he finished. "Not bad for Brack, eh?" said Dick. The simple question made them start. "You fellows seem all nerves this morning," said Dick. "When I told Pic on deck, he staggered; I thought he was going to faint. You're not afraid the fellow will board the yacht, are you?" Ben laughed as he said: "No, I don't think we're afraid, not of one man, even if he be an escaped convict."