much
before the gale that it was scarcely possible to stand on the deck.

The manner in which the pirate captain now acted was calculated to fill
the hearts of those whose lives seemed to hang in his hands with alarm
if not dismay. His spirit seemed to be stirred within him. There was
indeed no anger, either in his looks or tones; but there was a stern
fixedness of purpose in his manner and aspect which aroused, yet
repelled, the curiosity of those around him. Even Ole Thorwald and
Montague agreed that it was best to let him alone; for although they
might overcome his great physical force by the united strength of
numbers, the result would certainly be disastrous, as he was the only
one who knew the locality.

On reaching the windward side of the island he threw the schooner up
into the wind, and ordered the large boat to be hoisted out and put in
the water. Gascoyne issued his commands in a quick, loud voice, and Ole
shook his head as if he felt that this overbearing manner proved what he
had expected; namely, that when the pirate got aboard his own vessel,
he would come out in his true colors.

Whatever men felt or thought, there was no hesitation in rendering
prompt obedience to that voice. The large boat was hoisted off the brass
pivot gun amidships and lowered into the water. Then Gascoyne gave the
helm to one of the men, with directions to hold it exactly as it then
lay, and, hurrying down below, speedily returned, to the astonishment of
every one, with a man in his arms.

"Now, Connway," said Gascoyne, as he cut the cords that bound the man
and removed the handkerchief from his mouth, "I'm a man of few words,
and to-night have less time than usual to speak. I set you free. Get
into that boat; one oar will suffice to guide it; the wind will drive it
to the island. I send it as a parting gift to Manton and my former
associates. It is large enough to hold them all. Tell them that I repent
of my sins, and the sooner they do the same the better. I cannot now
undo the evil I have done them. I can only furnish the means of escape,
so that they may have time and opportunity to mend their ways; and,
hark'ee, the sooner they leave this place the better. It will no longer
be a safe retreat. Farewell!"

While he was speaking he led the man by the arm to the side of the
schooner, and constrained him to get into the boat. As he uttered the
last word he cut the rope that held it, and let it drop astern.

Gascoyne immedia