His terms having been accepted by the merchants, they were about concluding the bargain, when they were accosted by Jim. He assured them that he and his companions were determined to die before they should be separated, that none of them would do any work if retained in slavery, and that all were determined to be taken to Swearah. The merchants and the buyer only smiled at this interruption; and went on with the negotiation. In vain did Jim appeal to their cupidity, reminding them that the merchant, "For God's sake buy us", would pay a far higher price for himself and his companions. His arguments and entreaties failed to change their determination, the bargain was concluded, and Jim and Terence were made over to their new master. The merchants then mounted their camels, and ordered the other four to follow them. Harry Blount, Colin, and Sailor Bill, answered this command by sulkily sitting down upon the sand. Another command from the merchants was given, in sharp tones that betrayed their rising wrath. "Obey them!" exclaimed Jim. "Go on; and Master Terence and I will follow you. We'll stand the brunt of the battle. They shall not hold me here alive!" Colin and Bill each mounted a donkey, and Harry his camel; the Arab merchants seeming quite satisfied at the result of their slight exhibition of anger. Jim and Terence attempted to follow them; but their new master was prepared for this; and, at a word of command, several of his followers seized hold of and fast bound both of them. Jim's threat, that they should not hold him alive, had thus proved but an idle boast. Harry, Colin, and Bill, now turned back, dismounted, and showed their determination to remain with their companions down along side of them. "These Christian dogs do not wish for liberty!" exclaimed one of the merchants. "Allah forbid that we should force them to accept it. Who will buy them?" These words completely upset all Jim's plans. He saw that he was depriving the others of the only opportunity they might ever have of obtaining their liberty. "Go on, go on!" he exclaimed. "Make no further resistance. It is possible they may take you to Mogador. Do not throw away the chance." "We are not goin' to lave you, Jim," said Bill, "not even for liberty, leastways, I'm not. Don't you be afeerd o' that!" "Of course we will not, unless we are forced to do so," added Harry. "Have you not said that we must keep together?" "Have you not all promised to be guided by me?" replied Jim. "I tell you now to make no further resistance. Go on with them, if you wish ever to be free!" "Jim knows what he is about," interposed Colin: "let us obey him." With some reluctance Harry and Bill were induced to mount again; but just as they were moving away, they were recalled by Jim, who told them not to leave; and that all must persevere in the determination not to be separated.