ladies somehow or other,"
observed Jack; "I hope the pirates will not hurt them."

"I hope not, though I am afraid they will frighten the poor mamma out of
her wits," said Murray. "But without being selfish, we must first
consider how we are to get free ourselves."

"Something may turn up in the wheel of Fortune," returned Jack. "We
very nearly effected our escape; perhaps the next time we shall be more
fortunate; at present I cannot say that I see any opening by which we
may bring about that desirable event."

As he spoke he looked round the little cabin in which they were shut up
with a disconsolate yet half-ludicrous air. The prisoners were sitting
with their backs to the bulkheads, and their feet towards the centre of
the chamber. The door was locked, and there was no lookout except
through the chinks between the bamboos which formed the sides. They
discovered by the motion of the vessel, that there was a stiff breeze,
and that they were sailing along very rapidly. In vain they tried to
ascertain in what direction they were sailing. They looked through the
chinks, but all they could see were the figures of the crew as they
moved about the deck, and the inner part of the bulwarks and the back of
the shields which hung up above them. Hunger is a strong motive to
exertion. It had the effect, when after a time the party began to feel
its pangs, of making them somewhat less quiet than at first. Some of
the men were for trying to break out of their prison, but Captain
Willock assured them that the attempt would be useless, and suggested
that Jos should try the power of his eloquence in softening the hearts
of their captors. Jos expressed his approval of the proposed plan, and
forthwith began a loud chaunt, which he informed his fellow-prisoners
was descriptive of their present forlorn and famished condition, of the
prowess of the warriors of Queen Victoria, and of the certainty that
they would revenge any injury inflicted on any of their fellow-subjects,
as also of their custom of rewarding those who treated them well.

"I say," observed Jos, "Queen Victoria knock on de head any one hurt
us--give plenty money any one give us plenty food--make us fat."

"That's it," cried Jack, "sing away in that strain; they understand that
sort of reasoning better than any other argument."

On went Jos again with his chaunt, the commencement of which sounded
very like--

Hi fum diddle eye, ho fol lol,
Tittle-bats c