Taking them up, he rattled them together loudly.  In a minute he heard the guard outside move and come to the door, then the key was inserted in the lock and the door opened.

“What on earth are you doing now?” Philippo asked as he entered.

Francis was standing close to the door, so that as his guard entered he had his back to him, and before the question was finished he sprang upon him, throwing him headlong to the ground with the shock, and before the astonished man could speak he was kneeling upon him, with the point of the dagger at his throat.

“If you make a sound, or utter a cry,” he exclaimed, “I will drive this dagger into your throat.”

Philippo could feel the point of the dagger against his skin, and remained perfectly quiet.

“I do not want to kill you, Philippo.  You have not been harsh to me, and I would spare your life if I could.  Hold your hands back above your head, and put your wrists together that I may fasten them.  Then I will let you get up.”

Philippo held up his hands as requested, and Francis bound them tightly together with a strip of twisted cloth.  He then allowed him to rise.

“Now, Philippo, I must gag you.  Then I will fasten your hands to a bar well above your head, so that you can’t get at the rope with your teeth.  I will leave you here till your comrade comes in the morning.”

“I would rather that you killed me at once, signor,” the man said.  “Thomaso will be furious at your having made your escape, for he will certainly come in for a share of the fury of the captain.  There are three or four of the crew remaining behind, and no doubt they will keep me locked up till the ship returns, and in that case the captain will be as good as his word.  You had better kill me at once.”

“But what am I to do, Philippo?  I must ensure my own safety.  If you will suggest any way by which I can do that, I will.”

“I would swear any oath you like, signor, that I will not give the alarm.  I will make straight across the island, and get hold of a boat there, so as to be well away before your escape is known in the morning.”

“Well, look here, Philippo.  I believe you are sincere, and you shall take the oath you hold most sacred.”

“You can accompany me, signor, if you will.  Keep my hands tied till we are on the other side of the island, and stab me if I give the alarm.”

“I will not do that, Philippo.  I will trust you altogether; but first take the oath you spoke of.”

Philippo swore a terrible oath, that he would abstain from giving the alarm, and would cross the island and make straight for the mainland.  Francis at once cut the bonds.

“You will lose your share of the plunder, Philippo, and you will have to keep out of the way to avoid the captain’s rage.  Therefore I advise you, when you get to Tunis, to embark in the first ship that sails.  If you come to Venice, ask for me, and I will make up to you for your loss of booty, and put you in the way of leading an honest life again.  But before going, you must first change clothes with me.  You can sell mine at Tunis for enough to buy you a dozen suits like yours; but you must divide with me what money you now have in your possession, for I cannot start penniless.”