firing at her. Gerald walked up and down in a state of painful doubt
and anxiety. Nat Kiddle remained with him, though getting very hungry
and wishing to go back to the fort for breakfast. Mr Foley, who was
almost as much interested as Gerald, was the only officer who remained
with him.

Neither of the vessels appeared to have observed the flag flying from
the fort; at all events, they took no notice of it. Both were too far
off for the guns to reach them, or Commander Olding would not have
allowed the pirate to pass unquestioned.

The wind, which had been blowing fresh in the morning, as the day
advanced decreased, and by the time the two vessels were about three or
four miles to the southward of the island it fell almost to a dead calm.
They were still, however, at some distance from each other, but their
guns could be heard as they exchanged shots; the headmost vessel firing
her stern guns, and the other her bow-chasers, but, as far as could be
seen at that distance, without inflicting much damage on the other. No
sooner did the commander perceive the state of affairs than, calling his
two lieutenants and the master, he proposed attacking the pirate with
their three boats.

"If you will allow me, sir, I will gladly take the command," exclaimed
Mr Tarwig.

"I intended to have gone myself, but I will yield to your wishes,"
answered the commander.

Of course, all the other officers were ready to go. The commander
selected the master and boatswain to take command of the other two
boats. Gerald and Nat Kiddle were eager to accompany them, and greatly
to their satisfaction obtained leave, Gerald to accompany the first
lieutenant, and Nat the master. By keeping among the reefs, many of
which rose considerably above the water, they would be able to get near
the pirate without being perceived, and it was hoped, should the calm
continue until nightfall, that they might take her by surprise. This,
of course, was most desirable, as she might thus be captured without
much bloodshed. No time was to be lost, for the wind could not be
depended on, and it might soon again breeze up, when she would quickly
get beyond their reach.

The three boats carried altogether thirty hands, armed with firelocks,
cutlasses, and pistols. The pirate's crew was in all probability much
more numerous, but that was not likely to deter British seamen from
attacking them, either by night or day.

Mr Tarwig led his little squadron, thr