It's so dark that nobody can recognize her if you lie-to a hundred yards from shore.

I'm going into danger, but you can't help me." Avoiding further parley, Sam jumped ashore, and walked quietly up into the town, through the main street, until he came to a house built after the Spanish model, with a rickety stair-way outside.

Up this stair-way he climbed, and when he had reached the top he pushed the door open and entered.

He found himself in a dark passage, but by feeling he presently discovered a door.

As he opened it he said:-- "It's a dark night." "Is it dark ?" answered a voice from within.
"It is very dark." All this appeared to be merely a pre-arranged signal, for it had no sooner been uttered than the owner of the voice within, who seemed satisfied of Sam's identity, struck a light, with flint and steel, and carefully closed the door.
The man was apparently a dark mulatto, and his hair was matted about his head as if with some glutinous substance.
"You sent me this note ?" asked Sam.
"Yes, I gave it to the Injun.