up from below to rig the pumps. The pirates had, however,
done their utmost to render them useless, and we soon found that we must
give up all hopes of clearing the ship of water. We then turned-to to
examine the boats. One was so completely stove in that she was
perfectly useless; and we made up our minds that we should have to take
to a raft, when the carpenter reported that he could in a very short
time render the other boat seaworthy. We accordingly did our best to
make her fit to float, though darkness came down upon us before we had
finished. We could only find one lantern, which enabled us to continue
our work, but very slowly. We made a rough sort of a raft to keep us
afloat, in case the brig should go down suddenly; but I never passed a
more anxious night. It was noon the next day before the boat was ready.
Scarcely had we got clear of the brig before she went down; and
certainly it was from no mercy of Delano's that we did not sink in her.
I at once shaped a course for Malta, as the wind had shifted round to
the westward, and it was the British port we could most easily reach,
and where we could at the same time get aid to go in search of the
pirate. What with baffling winds, we have been a long time knocking
about, and might have been still longer, had we not fallen in with you,
sir. All I can say more is, that the sooner a stop is put to the career
of those villains, the better. It is impossible to tell what other
atrocities they may have committed."

While the master of the _Helen_ was giving his narrative, I saw Mr
Vernon turn very pale; and as he made this last observation, I thought
he would have fallen. It had evidently occurred to him that the
_Ariadne_ might have been seized by Delano. By a mighty effort of
self-command, however, he recovered himself.

"I am much pleased with your clear statement, Mr Hudson," said Captain
Poynder. "We will return to Malta immediately, and take steps to
discover what has become of the _William_, or rather the pirate which
plundered you. I cannot doubt that they are one and the same craft."

"Thank you, sir; that's what I think should be done," said the worthy
master. "I've no doubt the pirate will be found before long."

"Captain Poynder, is it possible that the pirate could have fallen in
with the _Ariadne_?" said Mr Vernon in a hollow voice, trembling with
agitation.

"I trust not--I trust not," replied the captain. "We'll hope for the
best: at