188 FOR THE FLAG

towards Ker Karraje’s abode with the intention, no doubt,
of telling him what had passed.

After a long walk on the edge of the lagoon, I was

about to return to my cell when I heard footsteps behind
me. I turned, and saw Count d’Artigas accompanied
by Captain Spade. He glanced at me inquisitively, and
these words escaped me invcluntarily :
. “You are keeping me here, sir, against all law! If it
was to tend M. Roch that you carried me off from
Healthful House I refuse to attend him, and I call upon
you to send me back.”

The pirate chief neither moved nor spoke.

‘Then my rage broke all bounds. Bios ee

“ Answer, Count d’Artigas—or rather—for I know who
you are—answer, Ker Karraje !”

He answered,— St Paloeeg

“Count d’Artigas is. Ker Karraje—as Gaydon the
keeper is Simon Hart the engineer, and Ker Karraje will
never set at liberty Simon Hart the engineer, who knows
his. secrets.”