to the boats, and I will carry you there," he said,
taking Elizabeth's arm.

"Whatever you think best I am ready to do," she answered; and they
hurried towards the bay.

Fortunately, the officer in charge of the boats belonged to Deane's own
ship, and recognising him, at once received Elizabeth on board.

"Now I have placed you in safety, I will go back and endeavour to
protect our kind friend Mistress Pearson," he said.

Elizabeth thanked him warmly, though she evidently at the same time
dreaded losing sight of him. Deane well knew there was no time to be
lost, for the sound of the firing and the shouts and cries of the
combatants told him that they were approaching the village. He hurried
back therefore, taking a sheltered way among the trees. He had just
reached the house, when he saw a number of buccaneers rushing towards
the village, with the intention, he judged, of attempting to defend
themselves behind the walls of the buildings. He found Mistress Pearson
standing pale with terror at the sound of the guns which had reached her
ears, not knowing which party had been successful. Deane once more
entreated her to fly.

"If you remain, you will too probably lose your life in the struggle,"
he said.

Scarcely waiting for her answer, he had drawn her to the door, when he
was seen by some of the pirates.

"Down with the villain! down with the traitor who has brought the enemy
upon us!" they shouted.

They raised their muskets, but Mistress Pearson standing between them
and Deane, prevented them from firing. Some of the fiercest were,
however, rushing forward with the intention of cutting him down, when
the cry arose, "The enemy are upon us! defend yourselves, lads!" and
they had to face about to receive the charge of the British sailors, who
dashed out from among the trees towards them. Several bullets whistled
by Deane's and the poor dame's ears. The fighting was desperate. The
pirates defended themselves, knowing that they should receive no
quarter; but in spite of their bravery they were cut down on all sides.
Deane had two or three times amid the clouds of smoke caught sight of
Pearson, who was leading on the men, shouting to them to fight boldly.
More seamen arriving, led on by a superior officer, the pirates at
length began to retreat. As they reached the house of their chief,
however, they made a stand, some threw themselves inside and began to
fire through the windows, and others got behind t