d the entrance of the straits. Running on all day
with a fair breeze, before nightfall they had entered the Java sea.
Here, however, the chart showed islands innumerable, and dangers of all
sorts. During the night, to avoid the risk of running on them, the
_Janet_ was kept under easy sail. For several days they sailed on,
steering to the north-west, Lord Reginald determining not to touch at
any place until Batavia was reached, unless compelled to do so from want
of water or fresh provisions. They were in the longitude of Madura, a
large island lying off the north coast of Java, when a numerous fleet of
small vessels was seen in the north-east, standing towards them. Robson
having taken a look at the strangers through his glass, cried out that
they were piratical craft, which infested Borneo and the neighbouring
coasts, and were wont to show no mercy to any falling into their hands.

"We must try and keep ahead of them, then," answered Lord Reginald, "and
if they come up with us, fight to the last. With these three muskets
and a pistol, we can do a little, and must make the best use we can of
our boat-hook and oars."

"The best thing we can do with our oars is to keep ahead of them,"
answered the mate. "They are big craft, and would run this lugger down
without ceremony."

"And we will keep ahead of them," was the answer. "We will get out the
oars, and try and make the _Janet_ walk along."

In spite, however, of the strenuous efforts made by the _Janet's_ crew,
it was too evident that the pirates, if such they were, were overhauling
her, having a stronger breeze than she had got to send them through the
water. A small island appeared on the starboard bow. The mate
suggested that by landing there, they might escape into the interior,
and save their lives.

"Or be murdered by its inhabitants," said Lord Reginald, laughing. "We
will trust to our own little craft. We shall get the breeze before
long, and we will then see if we cannot distance our pursuers."

There appeared, however, too much probability that his hopes would prove
vain. The pirate fleet, of thirty vessels or more, each manned by some
fifty or sixty cut-throats, was approaching nearer and nearer. Lord
Reginald having had the muskets handed to him, loaded them carefully,
and placed them by his side.

"We will keep pulling to the last, and when they come within
musket-shot, I'll pick off some of the fellows in the leading vessel.
That will