In a very short time Jack and his comrades stripped the drawing-rooms, parlours, and other rooms, of all their valuables, and as quickly as possible filled several sacks with gold and silver ware from the plate chest in the pantry. The butler slept in this pantry, but was almost frightened out of his wits, for one of the band held a pistol at his head while the other tied him hand and foot and gagged him. They then began to work, and did not leave a single spoon or fork behind them. These bags of spoil were rapidly passed out to old Bates and the others on watch outside, and conveyed to their boat in the river, moored under the garden wall. Captain Jack, however, did not trouble himself much about silver spoons, or forks, or gold and silver goblets. He made his way straight towards Colonel Blood’s library. He closed the door, and then began to ransack every hole and corner of the apartment. The drawers were broken open, and everything of no value to him was strewn about the floor. In the colonel’s writing-desk, however, he discovered a considerable sum of money in gold and notes. More than this, his eyes glistened as he clutched a small bundle of paper tied up with red ribbon, and sealed with many seals. This he put into his breast for greater security, for his huge pockets were bulging out with valuable odds and ends of all sorts. Having completely despoiled the library, he retraced his steps upstairs. “Surely Ellen Harmer must be in the mansion somewhere,” he thought. As he passed rapidly up the winding stairs towards the colonel’s own bed-chamber, he stopped and listened. Two persons were conversing in quick, passionate tones. The voice of one sounded like that of a female in distress. Captain Jack listened attentively to all that passed. “Nay, let me go, I beg of you, as you are a man and a gentleman,” said the female voice, in tones of anguish. “Nay dearest,” was the soft reply, “you cannot fly, except with me. You must—you shall be mine!” “Rather ten thousand deaths,” was the brave, resolute answer of the fair one, “rather ten thousand deaths than consent to my own dishonour! Unhand me, I say, unhand me! I took you for a gentleman—a man—but I am deceived—you are a scoundrel. Let me go—unhand me, I say, once for all, or I’ll shame you before all the world—I’ll raise the whole mansion with my cries.” “’Tis useless to struggle, angelic being,” was the impassioned answer; “your beauty has entranced my very soul. Come, let us fly hence; all wealth, honour, and adulation shall be thine.” “Help, help, help!” was the female’s feeble cry. At that time a struggle was heard going on in the room. At that moment Captain Jack, lantern and sword in hand, dashed the door open and entered. Ellen Harmer gave a short, quick cry of joy as she perceived deliverance at hand. Instinctively she rushed into the arms of Captain Jack for protection. The king was amazed. He made a thrust at Jack.