had mentioned
had one beneficial effect in somewhat turning Owen's thoughts, although
only occasionally, from the contemplation of Norah's and her father's
position.

Two more anxious days were passed, when, towards evening, land was seen
ahead, mostly lying low, with a slight elevation in the centre. The
wind was favourable, and Dillon undertook to carry the ship into harbour
before nightfall, declaring that he could pilot her towards the latter
part of the way as well in the dark as during the daylight.

It is impossible to describe Owen's feelings. In a short time Norah
might be safe, or he should hear that she had suffered a fate he dare
not contemplate.

Every preparation was made for surprising the pirates and recovering the
prisoners. A dozen men were dressed to look as much as possible like
the pirates who had been on board when the _Research_ was captured; the
black flag was hoisted at her peak. The rest of the men and the
officers concealed themselves, some below, and others under the
bulwarks. Dillon was ordered to take his post as if in command. A
party of men, well armed, were selected and placed under the orders of
Norman Foley, who, accompanied by Gerald, with Owen, Dan, and Pompey as
guides, were to shove off from the ship as soon as the pirates had
discovered their object, and to endeavour to find out where the
prisoners were confined.

Everything went well. The wind continued favourable, the bar was
crossed, and the _Research_ glided up through the channel leading into
the lagoon. The sun had set, and darkness was rapidly coming on; Owen
and Gerald were lying down, anxiously looking out from one of the bow
ports. There floated the _Ouzel Galley_, right ahead, in the centre of
the lagoon. The _Research_ was steered towards her, so that it might be
supposed by the pirates that the new arrival was about to bring up.
Instead of letting go her anchor, however, the _Research_ was to run
alongside the _Ouzel Galley_, which the British crew was immediately to
board. As the boats on the larboard side of the _Research_ could not be
seen by the pirates, they were lowered into the water, and Lieutenant
Foley and his party were directed to leap into them the moment
concealment was no longer necessary.

The _Research_ approached the _Ouzel Galley_. "What are you about, you
lubbers?" shouted a voice from the latter ship. "Starboard your helm,
or you will be running foul of us."

It was O'Harrall