you have given. In fact, it is you who
have captured the fortress. I was by no means prepared to find it so
strong; and, indeed, had come to the conclusion, last night, that the
force at my command was wholly insufficient for its capture.
Fortunately, I determined to try the effect of another day's fire.
But, had it not been for you, this would assuredly have been as
ineffectual as the first. You have, indeed, performed a most gallant
action; and I shall have great pleasure in reporting your conduct to
the authorities at home."

The sailors had now landed in considerable force. The garrison were
disarmed, and taken as prisoners on board the ships. Very large
quantities of powder were found, stored up, and strong parties at once
began to form mines, for the blowing up of the fortifications.

This was a labour of some days. When they were completed and charged,
a series of tremendous explosions took place. Many of the bastions
were completely blown to pieces. In others, the walls were shattered.

The prisoners were again landed, and set to work, aided by the
sailors. The great stones, which composed the walls, were toppled over
the steep faces of the rock on which the fort stood; and, at the end
of a fortnight, the pirate hold of Suwarndrug, which had so long been
the terror of the Indian Seas, had disappeared.

The fleet returned to Bombay; for it was, evidently, wholly
insufficient to attempt an assault on Gheriah; defended, as that place
would be, by the whole pirate fleet; which had, even without the
assistance of its guns, proved itself a match for a squadron double
the strength of that under the command of Commodore James.

The rejoicings at Bombay were immense, for enormous damage had been
inflicted on the commerce of that place, by this pirate hold, situated
but eighty miles from the port. Commodore James and his officers were
feted, and Charlie Marryat had his full share of honor; the gallant
sailor, everywhere, assigning to him the credit of its capture.

Charlie would now have sailed, at once, for Madras; but the
authorities wished him to remain, as Clive was shortly expected to
arrive, with a considerable force, which was destined to act against
the French at Hyderabad. The influence of Bussy, with the nizam,
rendered this important province little better than a French
possession; and the territory of our rivals, upon the seacoast, had
been immensely increased by the grant of the five districts, known a