first lieutenant. "Do you think she has, sir?"

"I much doubt it," was the answer. "What do you say, master?"

"I believe that the pirate has taken the merchantman," replied Mr
Billhook. "Those buccaneering fellows will stick to their prey like
leeches. They had made up their mind that she would prove a rich prize,
and were determined to have her."

Most of the party agreed with the master, and few felt otherwise than
sad at the thought of the fate which had probably overtaken the crew of
the merchant vessel.

They returned to the fort.

The commander was satisfied that Mr Tarwig had done his best to capture
the pirate. He had observed the breeze coming on, and fully expected
that she would escape.

The fine weather having now set in, and the stock of provisions running
short, the commander agreed to allow his second lieutenant, without
further delay, to try and make his way to Jamaica. It had become of
double importance that he should get there as soon as possible, both
that a man-of-war might be sent to the relief of the _Champion's_ crew,
and another despatched to search for the pirate, which was likely to be
committing serious depredations on British commerce.

Mr Foley begged that he might be allowed to start the very next
morning. He had already obtained from the purser the provisions he
expected to require for the voyage, and had selected eight trusty men
from among those who had volunteered to accompany him.

Greatly to Gerald's delight, the commander gave him leave to go, Mr
Foley having, according to his promise, applied for him.

The pinnace had been carefully overhauled, and such additions to her
fittings as the second lieutenant thought would be necessary had been
made. Nothing more, therefore, had now to be done than to put her
stores and water on board, and that would not take long, so that she
might set off at an early hour the next morning.

Nat Kiddle was greatly disappointed at finding that he was not to go.
He again applied, through Mr Foley, for leave, but the commander
considered that another officer was not necessary; he was unwilling to
risk the safety of more people than were absolutely required. There was
but little danger to be apprehended from the weather; the risk was far
greater of falling into the hands of the enemy, who would, of course, if
they were taken, prevent them from proceeding on their voyage. Should
this happen, matters would become serious on the island,