THE CAPTURE.
Selecting a convenient resting place, Jim had sat down, and for the
second time, taking up his rifle, went over it carefully, testing the
lock and cleaning and oiling the various parts. He gave the same
attention to the other guns. When this was done, he went over the
ammunition to see that it was all in order.
Then, having no further task to engage his attention, a drowsy spell
appealing, he lay down upon a moss covered bed of nature's fashioning,
and was soon fast asleep. When he awoke he knew that a considerable
interval had elapsed, and that the day was waning.
He looked toward the ship, but all was quiet there.
"It is time that Juarez was getting back," he thought. "I hope that he
hasn't got into any trouble. And the boys, too, were coming ashore. But
I suppose," he added whimsically, "they had to wait till Berwick was
satisfied that Manuel wasn't anywhere around. I don't see any signs of
their coming," again looking toward the yacht, "I think I will see if I
can find Juarez."
He had little difficulty in following Juarez's trail as he had gone
straight forward in the direction of the valley which skirted the peak
or elevation for which he had started.
Although he was not apprehensive of an attack, Jim went forward
cautiously, looking about him as he proceeded, with his gun ready for
use in case of need. He had gone a little more than a quarter of the way
to the cliff when the ground became rugged with large rocks and
occasional deep crevices.
He became impressed at this point with the fancy that someone was about.
He stood motionless, and himself hidden discovered that someone was in
fact approaching. The man was moving slowly and seemingly without
special caution. In the shadow of the underbrush Jim did not at first
recognize that it was the steward whose movements he was observing. Then
he knew that it was that individual.
Here was an opportunity perhaps to learn something of this suspected
person, and intent on this object Jim stealthily followed in the
other's footsteps. He was mystified by his actions, for the steward
seemed to have no definite motive in view. He moved slowly about in an
erratic course, first in one direction then another, without apparent
reason.
The precautions Jim would ordinarily have taken to keep a lookout about
him were omitted, and of a sudden he was himself set upon by two
muscular individuals who seemed to spring from space, and taken so
entirely unawares, before he recognized his danger, his arms were
pinioned. Notwithstanding his strenuous struggles he was quickly bound
and a helpless captive.
He had had no opportunity even to get a look at his captors before he
was blindfolded.
"We want yer company for a period," a soft well modulated voice, with a
southern accent, was speaking. "Make no trouble, and I will know that
you are a wise young man."
"I do not know you. What do you want?"
"First and foremost the chart you have in your pocket. I will, since
your hands are tied, with your kind permission, help myself to that
now."
Needless to say, the speaker sought out and took possession of the
desired document, carefully bestowing it in his own pocket.
"Now to introduce ourselves, for you doubtless observed that there are
two of us. This is Mate Marion, and I am Captain Beauchamp, at your
service."
"By what right, captain, do you detain me, and take from me my
possessions?"
"Oh, all is fair in love or war, is it not so?"
Ignoring the question and recognizing the probability that argument was
useless, Jim contented himself with an inquiry:
"What do you propose doing with me?"
"I shall be most pleased to entertain you on board my ship."
"For what purpose is my presence wanted there?"
"Just for the pleasure of your company. I hear that you are a fine young
fellow, and I may have a proposition to make to you that will be worthy
of your consideration. Just now the thing to do is to get back to the
Marjorie. I will make this offer now. If you will go along with us
without causing any trouble, you shall, as a reward, not be harmed."
"But I am blindfolded."
"That is a condition easily remedied," saying which, the handkerchief
was removed from the captive's eyes.
Jim recognized the fact that he had been trapped, and was in the hands
of a wily, adroit villain, but protest or a struggle for freedom would
be unavailing under the existing circumstances, and he believed that his
wisest plan was to make the best of his fate pending better opportunity
to change the conditions of things.
Guided by the captain and mate a long march was undertaken, and at a
late hour, with slight knowledge of the locality, Jim was put into a
rowboat and conveyed on board a ship riding at anchor in an open bay.
He was soon to learn that he was a prisoner on board that vessel of
questionable purpose, the Marjorie. So much information the captain
himself conveyed to him when releasing the bonds that had held secure
his arms. He was placed in a small compartment known as the ship brig,
and a securely locked door barred his egress.