were close
together, and those on the other had gone away under Lieutenant Foley,
the pirates could not be pursued, or probably several would have been
captured.

Commander Olding, knowing the treachery of which the pirates were
capable, at once ordered a search to be made below, in case they might
have tried to blow up the ship; he himself hurrying into the cabin,
where he thought it possible that the prisoners might still be confined.
He soon ascertained that they were not there, but he discovered a door
leading to the main hold. Obtaining a light, he, followed by the master
and Crowhurst, made his way to the part of the hold which had before
served as a refuge to Norah and her friend Ellen.

In the mean time, Norman Foley's party, with Owen, had pulled for the
western side of the lagoon. As soon as the boats reached the beach, the
whole of the party leaped on shore, with the exception of a few hands
left to guard the boats.

"This way," cried Owen, dashing forward in the direction of the building
which had so long been his prison. His fear was that O'Harrall might
have reached the shore, and would carry off Norah. Of one thing he felt
nearly sure, that O'Harrall would have imprisoned her and her father
there as the most secure place in which he could leave them; still even
that was doubtful, and he might have a long search before they could be
discovered.

Norman and Gerald did their best to keep the men together, and to follow
close at his heels. At any moment they might be attacked by the
pirates. They could not tell how many of the outlaws were collected on
the island; it was probable, they thought, that there were the crews of
other vessels besides O'Harrall's followers. Firing could be heard from
the side of the harbour, and they concluded therefore that fighting was
taking place in that direction.

It had not occurred to Owen that the prisoners might have been kept on
board the _Ouzel Galley_, and that after all he might be disappointed by
not finding Norah. Dan and Pompey sprang forward to his side, and
assisted him in keeping to the right path, with which they were far
better acquainted than he was. They had got close to the building, when
a voice shouted in Spanish, "Who goes there?" The flash and report of a
musket followed; the bullet whistled over their heads.

"Bedad, it's thim Spanish rascals who had charge of us," cried Dan.
"Faix, but it's all right, for the captin is sure to be there