“Yes, wasn’t it?” said Captain Jack, who was now much pleased with the effect his lies had upon his grim hearers. “You are sure you did not keep it for yourself?” asked Death-wing, in a savage tone. “Keep it for myself? Impossible! I could not think of such a thing!” “Of course not, as an honourable man——” “As an honourable man, not having the least personal interest in such a matter, I could not think of——” “Certainly not, certainly not. The noble captain of ‘the Baker’s dozen’ is too high-minded and honest to resort to such a trick.” Captain Jack bowed very humbly to this compliment; but it must be confessed his knees began to tremble under him from fear. “And did the prisoner escape?” “He did.” “Are you sure?” “Positive of it; I saw him do it.” “And how did it happen, then?” “As soon as I gave the money to the jailers, they entered his cell, unfastened his irons, loaned him some of their clothes, and I having procured a horse for the fugitive, he galloped away at full speed. After that I returned to see the match between you and Alick, and I came here with him to tell you all about it.” “Very obliging of you,” said Death-wing, “very obliging, certainly; but it strikes me very forcibly you came here, expecting to find me alone, with the intent of robbing me.” “Robbing you! Oh! you cannot think that. I am incapable of conceiving such a thing.” “That may be; but who have you got to prove all you have said about the prisoner’s escape?” “I did not think it necessary to bring the jailers with me to witness all I have said; but it is true, nevertheless, every word.” “That may be; we shall quickly see.” So speaking, Death-wing stamped his foot thrice heavily upon the floor. A stranger answered the summons by entering the room. He walked up towards Captain Jack, and confronted that officer boldly. He looked pale, haggard, and worn. It was Phillip Redgill himself. Captain Jack could have sunk through the floor. “Do you know this person?” said Death-wing, speaking to Phillip. “I do, well; too well for my own comfort.” “Did you hear his story about your escape?” “I did; every word of it.” “Was it true?” “No; every word he uttered was a lie.” “Did he not bargain not to arrest you for a certain sum?” “He did.” “On his promise, as a man of honour and a gentleman, you believed him?” “I did.” “You paid the price he demanded?” “Yes; and no sooner did he receive it than he had me arrested.” “Who assisted you to escape?” “I know not, or how or when it was, Captain Death-wing. All I know is, that I fell into a deep sleep, and when I awoke to consciousness I was liberated from prison and safe and well here in this house, surrounded by several armed men of the Skeleton Crew.” “Do you hear that, Captain Jack?” Alick asked, with a sneer. “I do hear it.”