While in this state of bondage, I heard distinctly all that passed without. Some one asked Angerstoff how Morvalden did.--"Well, quite well," replied the former; "but he's below, and so sick that he can't see any person." "Strange enough," said the first speaker, laughing. "Is he ill and in good health at the same time? he had as well be overboard as in that condition."--"Overboard!" repeated Angerstoff, "what!--how do you mean?--all false!--but listen to me,--Are there any news stirring ashore?"--"Why," said the stranger, "the chief talk there just now is about a curious thing that happened this morning. A dead man was found upon the beach, and they suspect, from the wounds on his body, that he hasn't got fair play. They are making a great noise about it, and Government means to send out a boat, with an officer on board, who is to visit all the shipping round this, that he may ascertain if any of them has lost a man lately. 'Tis a dark business; but they'll get to the bottom of it, I warrant ye.--Why, you look as pale as if you knew more about this matter than you choose to tell."--"No, no, no," returned Angerstoff; "I never hear of a murder but I think of a friend of mine who--but I won't detain you, for the sea is getting up--we'll have a blowy night, I'm afraid." "So you don't want any fish to-day?" cried the stranger, "then I'll be off--Good morning, good morning. I suppose you'll have the Government boat alongside by-and-by." I now heard the sound of oars, and supposed, from the conversation having ceased, that the fishermen had departed. Angerstoff came down to the cabin soon after, and released me without speaking a word.
Marietta then approached him, and, taking hold of his arm, said, "Do you believe what that man has told you?"--"Yes, by the eternal hell!" cried he, vehemently; "I suspect I will find the truth of it soon enough." "My God!" exclaimed she, "what is to become of us?--How dreadful! We are chained here, and cannot escape."--"Escape what?" interrupted Angerstoff;--"girl, you have lost your senses. Why should we fear the officers of justice? Keep a guard over your tongue." "Oh," returned Marietta, "I talk without thinking, or understanding my own words; but come upon deck, and let me speak with you there." They now went up the gangway stairs together, and continued in deep conversation for some time.