l with deadly effect. The second mate was the first
to fall; two of the crew were soon afterwards desperately wounded, and
another was killed; still the spars and rigging had hitherto escaped
much damage. Matters were becoming very serious, when the shot from a
gun trained by Captain O'Brien brought down the pirate's fore-topsail
yard; the studding-sail booms being carried away at the same time, the
studding-sails were seen flapping wildly in the wind.

"I am thankful that my old eyes are still of some use," he said, as he
saw the effect he had produced. The British crew cheered right lustily.

The wind, which had been falling, breezed up a little, and the
_Research_ glided on out of reach of the pirate's guns. Not a moment
was lost in repairing the slight damages her rigging had received. It
was seen, however, that the pirates were similarly employed.

"The yard was only shot away in the slings, without damaging the mast, I
fear," observed Captain O'Brien. "It will take the rascals some time,
however, before they can sway it aloft, and ere then, if this breeze
holds, we shall have run the pirate well out of sight."

But the breeze did not hold. As the day advanced the wind fell, and the
two vessels lay becalmed just within long range of each other's guns.
Both continued firing as before.

Poor Norah, as she sat all alone in the dark hold, was not forgotten.
Sometimes Captain O'Brien and sometimes her father hurried below to say
a few cheering words, assuring her that they hoped before long to get
clear of the pirate.

The calm continued, allowing time to repair damages, and to commit the
poor fellows who had been killed to the deep. A breeze was eagerly
looked-for by all on board the _Research_. Should it come from the
eastward, she would probably get it as soon as the pirate and retain her
present advantage, but if from the northward, the enemy might creep up
to her before she could move. Preparations were made for every
emergency. The crew stood ready to brace the yards, from which the
sails hung down against the masts, as might be required; the guns were
loaded, and run out; pikes, cutlasses, muskets, and pistols were placed
ready, in convenient positions to be grasped, should the pirate succeed
in getting alongside.

The day wore on, and evening was approaching. The old captains were
looking out astern.

"Do you see yonder dark line of water?" asked Captain O'Brien, grasping
his friend's arm.