"You will occupy the largest and most expensive house in the place, and my men will take you there at once.

Do you not thank me ?" "I do not," replied Ned defiantly.

Yet he knew that he had much to dread.
"You are an ungrateful young dog of a Texan," said Cos, laughing maliciously, "but I will confer my hospitality upon you, nevertheless.
You will go with these men and so I bid you farewell." Four barefooted soldiers took Ned down through the dirty and evil-smelling streets of the city.

He wondered where they were going, but he would not ask.

They came presently to the sea and Ned saw before him, about a half mile away, a somber and massive pile rising upon a rocky islet.