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Rh wants us, and that he is going to make use of us. What are we going to do?"

"We will go straight up to him and ask him to help us."

"Very well," Jack said. "Rest, and a guide, and food, and fire. And what story shall we tell him of ourselves?"

"We will tell him the truth," said I.

"And shame the devil," said he, with another uncomfortable chuckle.

"What language shall I try him with?" said I.

"Bet you a pound he knows English," said Jack.

"Oh, that's the sort of devil you think he is; very well, I'll take your bet, though I dare say you are right enough." I declare, although I knew very well what ruffians outlawed Englishmen are apt to be, I felt quite light-hearted as I thought that perhaps after the men we were going to meet might be no worse than such. "Come on," I said, and we walked straight to the light. I pulled aside the rustic frame, which came with my hand quite easily; then I walked straight through, Jack following me closely.

The strange leader saw us at once, stood still, and looked at us. We walked forward and saluted him. I felt at the moment that Jack was right, that he knew