rubbish," he said. "But there isn't a sign of an other snake around, nor of any wild beasts. Come," and he motioned Sam and Tom to follow him.
"I don't think it fair that you should leave us helpless," said Tom. "At least untie our hands and let us each get a good stick."
"So you can fight us, eh?" cried Arnold Baxter. "We are not such fools."
"You have your pistols," put in Sam. "And what could we do on a lonely island and without a boat?"
"The lads are right—it's not fair to leave them helpless when there may be other danger at hand," interposed the captain. "If I unloosen you, will you promise not to run away?"
"The promise would not amount to anything!" sniffed Dan.
"We won't run away for the present," said Tom honestly. "But you can't expect me to remain a prisoner here—not if I can help myself."
The candor of the youth compelled Captain Langless to laugh, and, taking out a knife, he cut the ropes which bound the lads' hands.
"You won't need sticks, I am sure of it," he said. "Come, I will lead, and you"—nodding to the Baxters—"can bring up the rear."
No more was said, and in a minute more all
