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Even Arblaster paused at this proposal; but as his companion continued to
insist, and Dick had the sense to keep the merest wooden indifference of
expression, and only shrugged his shoulders over the delay, the skipper
consented at last, and cut the cords which tied his prisoner's feet and
legs. Not only did this enable Dick to walk; but the whole network of
his bonds being proportionately loosened, he felt the arm behind his back
begin to move more freely, and could hope, with time and trouble, to
entirely disengage it. So much he owed already to the owlish silliness
and greed of Master Pirret.
That worthy now assumed the lead, and conducted them to the very same
rude alehouse where Lawless had taken Arblaster on the day of the gale.
It was now quite deserted; the fire was a pile of red embers, radiating
the most ardent heat; and when they had chosen their places, and the
landlord had set before them a measure of mulled ale, both Pirret and
Arblaster stretched forth their legs and squared their elbows like men
bent upon a pleasant hour.
The table at which they sat, like all the others in the alehouse,
consisted of a heavy, square board, set on a pair of barrels; and each of
the four curiously-assorted cronies sat at one side of the square, Pirret
facing Arblaster, and Dick opposite to the common sailor.
"
And now, young man," said Pirret, "to your tale. It doth appear,
indeed, that ye have somewhat abused our gossip Arblaster; but what then?
Make it up to him--show him but this chance to become wealthy--and I will
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