re, my lads! and run in
the guns and load again as fast as you can."

The men stationed at the aftermost guns obeyed the order, but the shot
from those forward, manned by the new hands, flew wide of their mark; it
might have been from their ignorance of gunnery, but, considering their
late conduct, it was too probable that it was done on purpose. The rest
of the crew took good aim, and then running in their guns, reloaded
them.

"Here she comes!" cried the mate. "She will be aboard us presently."

As he spoke the stranger ranged up alongside, her decks covered with
men. Four of the _Ouzel Galley's_ guns alone went off, and ere they
could be again loaded the stranger was alongside, throwing
grappling-irons on board to secure her prey.

"Cut them clear!" cried Owen. "Resist boarders!"

As he issued the order, the pirates, who stood ready in the main and
fore-rigging of their ship, leaped down on the deck of the _Ouzel
Galley_, when, with a feeling almost of despair, Owen saw Routh and
several of his crew join them. Still, rallying his men round him, he
resolved, if possible, to drive back the pirates in spite of their
numbers. Firing his pistols, he gallantly attacked them, cutlass in
hand, seconded by his mates and several of his men, Dan and Pompey
fighting with undaunted courage.

"On, my lads! on!" he shouted; and so sturdily did he and his companions
attack the pirates, that they drove the greater number back to their own
ship. This, success encouraged his men, and once more they began to
hope that they should get free.

At this moment, a voice was heard from among the pirates cheering them
on, and a fresh party leaping down on the deck of the _Ouzel Galley_
bore all before them. In vain Owen and his faithful followers, Dan and
Pompey and others, fought with the most determined bravery; they were
soon overwhelmed by far superior numbers. Owen's foot slipping, he fell
upon the deck. At that moment one of his assailants raised his cutlass,
and was on the point of giving him a death blow, when the leader of the
pirates interposed his own weapon.

"Let him live!" he exclaimed. "He is one I am bound to protect; and
these fellows with him--we will spare their lives. You hear?" he
shouted, turning to Dan and Pompey; "if you wish to have a longer spell
of life, drop your cutlasses. The ship is ours; give in, or in another
moment you will be among those who lie there on the deck."

"Faix, thin, yer hon