Page:Ballantyne--The Pirate City.djvu/88

72 take a ransum for us of 150 Spanish dolars the Kaid has past his word in yoor name to the moors for that sum or theyd hav spiflikate us too. i hope yer onor has as much to spair in yer pokit, an will luke alive wid it, for if yoo dont its all up wid me mesmaits inkloodin yoor onors obedent humbil servint to comand ted flagan."

"Well; I hope, with poor Flaggan," said Mrs. Langley laughingly, "that you have as much to spare in your 'pokit,' for if not, it is plain that the poor fellows will be led into captivity."

"I would readily advance a larger sum for so good an end," replied the consul, folding the letter. "I shall at once ride into town to make arrangements, and as it is so late, will pass the night in our town house. I shall send our new attendant, Sidi Hassan, on this mission, and leave you for the night under the guardianship of Rais Ali."

The consul left immediately, and next morning Sidi Hassan set out for Bugia with the necessary ransom.

In regard to this we need say nothing more than that he accomplished his purpose, paid the ransom, and received the seven British seamen, accompanied by whom he commenced the return journey, he and his men riding, and driving the sailors on foot before them as though they had been criminals. On the