The next minute he said, in a very distinct
voice:
"Captain, here are Mrs. Weldon and little Jack; I present them to you.
Forward. And may all the clouds in heaven fall on those idiots of
Kazounde!"
* * * * *
CHAPTER XVII.
DRIFTING.
It was Hercules, not easily recognized in his magician's attire, who
was speaking thus, and it was Dick Sand whom he was addressing--Dick
Sand, still feeble enough, to lean on Cousin Benedict, near whom Dingo
was lying.
Mrs. Weldon, who had regained consciousness, could only pronounce
these words:
"You! Dick! You!"
The young novice rose, but already Mrs. Weldon was pressing him in her
arms, and Jack was lavishing caresses on him.
"My friend Dick! my friend Dick!" repeated the little boy. Then,
turning to Hercules: "And I," he added, "I did not know you!"
"Hey! what a disguise!" replied Hercules, rubbing his breast to efface
the variety of colors that striped it.
"You were too ugly!" said little Jack.
"Bless me! I was the devil, and the devil is not handsome."
"Hercules!" said Mrs. Weldon, holding out her hand to the brave black.
"He has delivered you," added Dick Sand, "as he has saved me, though
he will not allow it."
"Saved! saved! We are not saved yet!" replied Hercules. "And besides,
without Mr.
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