ought it was just as well to make
those remarks in time; besides, it is always wise for people in our
circumstances to put a good face on matters; it shows the villains that
we are not cast down or afraid of them."

Jos told Hoddidoddi, who interpreted their request in his own fashion,
and the reply was, that they should have some food when they got on
board the junk. At that moment the sound of oars was heard, and an
English boat hove in sight. Some of the pirates were for fighting, but
Jos represented that the British sailors were such desperate fellows,
that they would not hesitate to attack a big junk, and would take her
and make mincemeat of every one on board; and that such a boat as theirs
would be treated with still more scant ceremony. So, much to the
midshipmen's disappointment, they wisely pulled away as hard as they
could go, till they go under shelter of the fleet of junks.

The boat belonged, it appeared, to one of the smaller junks, on board
which Jack and Alick were at once carried.

The piratical squadron now instantly made sail, and a favourable breeze
having sprung up, they steered for the northward. Their notable scheme
for destroying the English frigate having failed, the fleet separated,
some taking shelter among the neighbouring islands, others standing out
to sea in quest of prey; but the greater number returning to their
accustomed haunts in the neighbourhood of Canton, localities most
frequented by traders in the China seas.

The vessel on board which Jack and Alick found themselves formed one of
the latter fleet. Their captors were, Jos explained to them, great
diplomatists. They argued that if they gave them up at once, a small
sum only would be offered for them; but if they kept them for some time,
and made their friends suppose they were lost, they would be ready to
pay any amount demanded for their ransom. They were not treated with
much ceremony or civility, but Jack's hint about their condition when
reckoning for ransom had one good effect; and somewhat for a similar
reason that an ogre or a slave-dealer would sufficiently feed his
captives, they were amply supplied with rice and other provisions.
Sometimes the dishes had a very suspicious look.

"They don't eat babies, do they?" said Jack, dipping his chop-stick into
the tureen placed before them, and producing a limb of some creature
which certainly had a very odd appearance.

"No, I fancy not," answered Murray, "but we ha