m pikes, firelocks, and pistols. As they threw
themselves over the bulwarks, they encountered a savage-looking crew, of
whose character there could be no doubt; but, savage as they appeared,
the cutlasses of the hardy tars quickly played havoc among them. Some
were cut down; others fled to the waist, and leaped below; and several,
in desperation, threw themselves overboard. Within a minute the greater
part of the deck was in possession of the _Champion's_ crew, a small
number of pirates alone standing at bay around the mainmast.

"We ask for quarter, and if you give it we will lay down our arms and
save further bloodshed," exclaimed one of the party, who appeared to be
an officer.

"We give you the quarter you ask, and your lives will be safe till you
are brought to a fair trial," answered Mr Tarwig, "but I will not
promise you any other terms."

The man consulted with his companions. It was evident that all further
resistance would be hopeless, as already the _Champion's_ people were in
possession of the forecastle and aftermost guns, and could in an instant
turn them on the pirates, whom they, besides, considerably outnumbered.

"We trust to your honour and give in, sir," said the former speaker.

"I repeat what I have before said--your lives shall be spared," answered
Mr Tarwig.

On which the pirates threw their arms on the deck. They were forthwith
pinioned by the victors, and those who had escaped below were brought up
and treated in the same manner.

Gerald had remarked the countenance of the man who acted as spokesman
for the pirates, and was much struck by it. Could he be O'Harrall? The
man, though he had at first stood forward, now tried to conceal himself
among his companions. Gerald, on getting closer to him, felt sure that,
if not O'Harrall, he was the very man whom he had before mistaken for
him, who had been pressed on board the _Champion_ and afterwards made
his escape from her. This, if he was right, would account for his wish
to conceal himself as much as possible from the _Champion's_ officers
and people, who could scarcely fail, however, to recognise him.

Gerald's attention and that of most of the party was, however, taken up
with other matters. The appearance of the ship showed that she had been
engaged in a hard-fought action. Her masts and rigging were
considerably cut about, though none of her spars appeared to be severely
damaged. Her bulwarks in two or three places were knoc