l to the skipper, while
Rodd felt as if he were not yet awake, and suddenly recalled the fact
that he had armed himself with a perfectly useless weapon, for in his
excitement he had forgotten powder flask and bullets, having instead of
the latter brought a belt containing small shot.

"Pirates or privateers, sir," replied the skipper hotly, "but just give
us time. Be smart, my lads. Pikes and cutlasses, and then all together
with a will!"

"For heaven's sake let's have no bloodshed, Captain Chubb!" cried Uncle
Paul, catching the skipper by the arm.

"Not my wish, sir," said the captain shortly; "but this is my schooner
while I command her, and I'm going to clear this deck."

"Ay, ay, sir!" came in a low, eager murmur from the men.

"There, sir," said the skipper; "you and the lad stand back. Ready, my
lads?"

"No, no!" cried Uncle Paul, who saw that the strangers forward, all as
well-armed as the schooner's crew, were eagerly waiting for the order to
advance from their leader, each party being ready to be let slip for
what might prove to be a desperate encounter.

Rodd grasped this, and then felt puzzled as he saw a youth of about his
own age suddenly elbow his way to the front to stand beside the leader.

Suddenly awakened as he had been from sleep, Rodd felt more confused
than ever, for the sight of the youth, who from his dress seemed to be
the second officer, added to his confusion, though for the moment he
could hardly tell why.

And this just as Uncle Paul was grasping the skipper's arm and saying--

"Don't be hasty. These cannot be pirates. There must be some mistake."

"Maybe, sir, but these fellows who have boarded us have made it. Now,
sir, once more, stand back and let us clear the deck. They can talk
when they are back in their boats."

There was a few moments' silence, each side seeming unwilling to begin,
and taking advantage of an apparent hesitancy on the part of the strange
leader, Uncle Paul instead of stepping back raised his hand and
advanced, Rodd springing to his side, while their movement was exactly
followed by the chief intruder and the youth who stepped to his side.

"Now, sir," cried Uncle Paul firmly, in French.

"I understand English," was the reply.

"I am very glad," said Uncle Paul. "Now, sir, you see that we are
well-armed and prepared. What is the meaning of this attack?"

"Ah, I am glad, sir," said the stranger courteously. "Pray keep your
men back, and I w