THE MOOR OVERBOARD, ~ : 73

boy the helm, I stepped forward to where the Moor was, and
making as if I stooped for something behind him, I took him by
surprise with my arm under his twist, and tossed him clear over-
board into the sea. He rose immediately, for he swam like a cork,
and called to me, begged to be taken in; told me he would go all
the world over with me. He swam so strong after the boat that
he would have reached me very quickly, there being but little
wind ; upon which I stepped into the cabin, and fetching one of
the fowling-pieces, I presented it at him, and told him I had done
him no hurt, and if he would be quiet I would do him none. “ But,’’
said I, ‘you swim well enough to reach to the shore, and the sea

is calm; make the best of

your way to shore, and I will

do you no harm, but if you

come near the boat I'll shoot
~_ you through the head; for I

am resolved to have my

. liberty.” So he turned him-
XX self about and swam for the

i ag WA \ =

 
 
 
    
  
     
  

““ HE TURNED HIMSELF ABOUT AND SWAM FOR THE SHORE.”

shore; and I make no doubt but he reached it with ease, for he
was an excellent swimmer.

I could have been content to have taken this Moor with me
and have drowned the boy, but there was no venturing to trust
him. When he was gone I turned to the boy, who they called