Make it up to him -- show him but this chance to become wealthy -- and I will go pledge he will forgive you . '' So far Dick had spoken pretty much at random ; but it was now necessary , under the supervision of six eyes , to invent and tell some marvellous story , and , if it were possible , get back into his hands the all-important signet . To squander time was the first necessity . The longer his stay lasted , the more would his captors drink , and the surer should he be when he attempted his escape . Well , Dick was not much of an inventor , and what he told was pretty much the tale of Ali Baba , with Shoreby and Tunstall Forest substituted for the East , and the treasures of the cavern rather exaggerated than diminished . As the reader is aware , it is an excellent story , and has but one drawback -- that it is not true ; and so , as these three simple shipmen now heard it for the first time , their eyes stood out of their faces , and their mouths gaped like codfish at a fishmonger 's . Pretty soon a second measure of mulled ale was called for ; and while Dick was still artfully spinning out the incidents a third followed the second . Here was the position of the parties towards the end : Arblaster , three-parts drunk and one-half asleep , hung helpless on his stool . Even Tom had been much delighted with the tale , and his vigilance had abated in proportion . Meanwhile , Dick had gradually wormed his right arm clear of its bonds , and was ready to risk all . `` And so , '' said Pirret , `` y ' are one of these ? '' `` I was made so , '' replied Dick , `` against my will ; but an I could but get a sack or two of gold coin to my share , I should be a fool indeed to continue dwelling in a filthy cave , and standing shot and buffet like a soldier . Here be we four ; good ! Let us , then , go forth into the forest to-morrow ere the sun be up . Could we come honestly by a donkey , it were better ; but an we can not , we have our four strong backs , and I warrant me we shall come home staggering . '' Pirret licked his lips . `` And this magic , '' he said -- `` this password , whereby the cave is opened -- how call ye it , friend ? '' `` Nay , none know the word but the three chiefs , '' returned Dick ; `` but here is your great good fortune , that , on this very evening , I should be the bearer of a spell to open it . It is a thing not trusted twice a year beyond the captain 's wallet . '' `` A spell ! ''
said XXXXX , half awakening , and squinting upon Dick with one eye .
Arblaster Baba Dick East Pirret evening shipmen signet third year