Page:The queen's museum, and other fanciful tales.djvu/28

 'Are his statements correct?' said the Captain, turning to the Stranger.

'Entirely so,' was the answer.

'You have truthful features, and an honest expression,' said the Captain, 'and I do not believe you would be so dishonorable as to creep in here during our absence and steal our possessions. Your lives shall be spared, but you will be obliged to remain with us; for we cannot allow any one who knows our secret to leave us. You shall be treated well, and shall accompany us in our expeditions; and if your conduct merits it, you shall in time be made full members.'

Bitterly the Stranger now regretted his unfortunate position. He strode up and down one side of the cave, vowing inwardly that never again would he allow himself to be led by a Hermit's Pupil. That individual, however, was in a state of high