"Me Sangaree Jack, understand all you say, sare; once serve on board English man-of-war. These here fellows say dey hang you up on de trees tomorrow if you no show who you are." "Well, Sangaree Jack, that is pleasant information," observed Higson, "but how can you help us?" "Me go down to English man-of-war, and tell all dat you say, and dey den send up armed boats to make dese fellows let you go," answered the negro. "I shall be very glad to accept your offer," said Higson, "and the sooner you start the better." "All right, massa lieutenant, but me no go for nothing, you sabbe," answered Sangaree Jack, with a knowing look. "Well, then, we will give you ten dollars, that will be handsome, won't it?" said Higson. Sangaree Jack grinned till his mouth almost pushed back his ears to allow it full expansion, as he answered-- "Ten dollars! oh no! massa, dat not enough." "Then suppose we double it," said Higson. "Oh no! massa, twenty dollars not enough." At last, after a little more bargaining, Sangaree Jack agreed for thirty dollars to go down and carry information as to what had happened, on board the corvette. "Well, massa lieutenant, where de dollars, though?" asked the black, with a cunning leer. "The dollars! You will get them when we are set free, my friend," said Higson. "I neber do anyting of dat sort on trust, sare," answered the negro, grinning. "But suppose we have not got the dollars, you will lose them, and we shall remain in the prison?" observed Higson. "Oh, Buccra officers always carry dollars," answered the black. "Just try what the young gentlemens got in dare pockets." "Possibly we may have some of the money among us," said Higson, not willing to trust the fellow altogether. "Suppose you take fifteen dollars, and then we will pay the remainder when the boats come up-- come, fair play is a jewel." "Massa lieutenant know how to manage tings," grinned blackie. "Come, I take fifteen dollars, and you see I true man. Honour bright among teves, you know; you trust me and I trust you--he! he! he!" and blackie grinned at his own wit. The dollars were with some difficulty collected among them. "Don't let de people see what you give me," said blackie, putting his fingers to his thick lips, and looking very wise. "I tell dese rascals that I got a little money to buy some wine, and oder tings. I tell dem too, dat I know you English officers, and dat dey better take care what dey do." The money was conveyed into Sangaree Jack's large paws, without any remark being made by the people in court. Sangaree Jack then addressed the court, and though Norris could not make out exactly what he said, it had some effect, as the judge bowed to them as they left the court, and they were afterwards treated with more respect. Their new friend then hurried off, assuring them that he would lose no time in getting down the harbour. The party were now marched back to prison amidst the cries and hooting of the populace.