d see two boats pulling from one vessel to the other. The captain
and all the officers were speedily on deck.

"There's some mischief going on there," exclaimed Captain Idle, after a
look at the vessels. "Mr Spry, call the boats away; we must send and
overhaul these fellows."

Three boats, under the command of the first-lieutenant, were speedily in
the water, and manned, all hands being well-armed. Waller had charge of
one boat, I of the third,--and not a little proud did I feel of the
honour. A cup of cocoa and some biscuit being first served out to each
of us, to give us strength for the work to be accomplished, away we
pulled towards the barque. It was hot enough when we started, but as
the sun rose higher it grew hotter still, and the glare on the smooth
water became so bright as almost to blind us; but nothing relaxed our
exertions, all hands feeling that there was some work before us. The
other boats had reached the barque when we were yet three miles off, and
very probably had not observed us, although the people from the rigging
of the merchantman must have done so. The report of firearms was now
heard, and this made us redouble our efforts to get up.

"The merchantman is attacked by pirates; there is not a doubt of it,"
shouted Mr Spry. "Fire off your muskets, my lads; it will give both
parties notice that we are coming to put a stop to their fun."

Those not pulling blazed away right merrily for a few minutes, and then
watched for the result. It seemed to have encouraged one party and to
have disheartened the other, for the boats we had before seen were
observed pulling back to the schooner.

"Follow me, Waller. After the boats, my lads!" shouted Mr Spry.
"D'Arcy, do you board the barque. See if any assistance is required,
and if not, pull for the schooner."

It took me but a short time to find myself alongside the barque, while
the rest of our party were in chase of the strange boats. So eagerly
were those on board looking out at the chase, that they did not observe
me step on board. Alas! the appearance of the deck showed too plainly
that mischief had already been done. One man lay dead, and two more sat
on the deck, supported by their shipmates. But there were two persons
in a group standing aft, whom I thought I recognised. I looked again.
I was sure I could not be mistaken, and running up to them, I found
myself shaking hands most warmly with Mr Marlow and his daughter. He
did not r