urse, in daylight they would not venture to remain near
her. After the frigate had fired several broadsides, it was discovered
that the enemy on each side did not reply, but that all the shot came
from ahead or astern. Again, the guns being loaded, Captain Grant
hauled in on the spring so as to bring the broadsides in the direction
the head and stern had before been. The word "fire!" was given.
Instantly the terrific shrieks which rent the air showed that the enemy
had there most thickly assembled. Some random shots were fire in
return, and then all was silent.

"Really it is difficult to believe that so short a time ago the ship was
surrounded by bloodthirsty enemies," observed Murray to Jack, as they
stood together looking out into the darkness. "Besides the poor fellows
who have been hit, I dare say that our running rigging and sails will
show that we have been engaged; yet now how calm and quiet everything
is."

"I, for one, would not trust them, though," said Jack; "if they can play
us a trick they will."

The night, however, wore on. The pirates had evidently a sufficient
taste of the frigate's quality, and had no wish to try it further.

Once more Jack was going below to finish his nap on the locker, when he
heard Adair sing out, "There are two big junks close aboard us."

Captain Grant was on deck in an instant, and ordered the capstan to be
manned to work the ship round as might be required.

"They are desperate fellows on board those crafts, or they would not
attempt to get so near us," observed Adair.

"They are indeed," said Jack. "See, there's another of them. I don't
like their looks. I wonder the captain has not ordered us to fire at
them."

Just then Captain Grant's voice was heard ordering the boats to be
lowered. Scarcely were the words out of his mouth than a bright light
burst out of one of the junks, and instantly she was in flames, casting
forth rockets and missiles of every description.

"They are fire-ships," cried numerous voices--a very evident fact.
Without a moment's delay, Jack and Murray and Adair, with two of the
lieutenants of the frigate, and the men nearest at hand, jumped into the
boats, and, being lowered, pulled off to tow the fire-ships away from
her; as, in consequence of the darkness, they had been brought thus
close up before they were discovered, there was little time to spare.
One in another minute would be alongside. Jack boldly sprang up her
high bow, an