The Madman and the Pirate, page 99 by Robert Michael Ballantyne
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r," said Orlando, advancing. "Don't you see--it is a man!"
The supposed animal started as the youth spoke, and rose on his knees with a terribly haggard and anxious look.
"Richard Rosco!" exclaimed Orley, who recognised the pirate at the first glance.
But Rosco did not reply. He, too, had recognised Orley, despite the change in his size and appearance, and believed him to be a visitant from the other world, an idea which was fostered by the further supposition that Ebony was the devil keeping him company.
Orlando soon relieved him, however. The aspect of the pirate, so haggard and worn out, as he crawled on his hands and knees, was so dreadful that a flood of pity rushed into his bosom.
"My poor fellow," he said, going forward and laying his hand gently on his shoulder, "this is indeed a most unexpected, most amazing sight. How came you here?"
"Then you were not drowned?" gasped the pirate, instead of answering the question.
"No, thank God. I was not drowned," said Orley, with a sad smile. "But again I ask, How came you here?"
"Never mind me," said Rosco hurriedly, "but go to your father."
"My father! Do you know, then, where he is?" cried Orlando, with sudden excitement.
"Yes. He is up there--not far off. I have just escaped from him. He is bent on taking my life. He saved me from the savages. He is mad--with fever--and stands terribly in need of help."
Bewildered beyond expression by these contradictory statements, Orlando made no attempt to understand, but exclaimed--
"Can you guide us to him?"
"You see," returned the pirate sadly, "I cannot even rise to my feet. The savages were burning me alive when your father came to my rescue. The flesh is dropping from the bones. I cannot help you."
"Kin you git on my back?" asked Ebony. "You's a good lift, but I's awful strong."
"I will try," returned Rosco, "but you will have to protect me from Zeppa if he sees me, for he is bent on taking my life. He thinks that yo