and might possibly try to capture
the brig, and cut the throats of every one on board. His only
alternative, therefore, to avoid the risk of this would be to treat them
as they intended to treat the slaves--clap them in irons, and shut them
down under hatches, or to place a sentry with orders to shoot the first
who might attempt to regain his liberty.

Needham highly approved of this plan. "It would serve them right, sir,
if we were to do it at once, it would save us a great deal of trouble in
looking after the beggars," he observed.

"But Don Lopez considers himself a perfect gentleman, and will complain
that he was barbarously treated if we were to do so without sufficient
cause," remarked Jack.

"I'd let him complain then, sir," answered Needham. "He may consider
himself fortunate that we don't heave him and his villainous crew
overboard."

Jack only hoped that the necessity would not arise, and as neither the
officers nor men had arms of any sort--for the knives even of the latter
had been taken from them--he had no fears about the matter.

He resolved to keep a bright look out for the _Caterina_, which he
thought would probably slip out of the harbour soon after him, her
captain not suspecting the fate of her consorts. The wind was however,
light and contrary, and he was much longer in making Cape Saint Antonio
than he had hoped. The necessity for treating the prisoners as Needham
had suggested came, however, sooner than Jack expected. He had allowed
Don Lopez and his companions to enjoy as much fresh air and exercise as
they wished for every day, though he took the precaution to have a
sentry on the quarterdeck, who had received instructions to keep a
watchful eye on the prisoners. Evening was coming on, a fresh breeze
was blowing, and the little squadron, under easy sail, was standing to
the westward. Just at that time a sail was sighted on the weather-bow;
she was soon made out to be a large brig standing towards the little
fleet. Jack observed that the prisoners were talking eagerly together,
and were evidently much interested in the appearance of the stranger.
On she came, and though she was near enough for her colours to be seen
she showed none.

"What do you make her out to be?" asked Jack of Needham.

"I should have taken her to be a Spanish man-of-war; but if she is she
ought to have showed her bunting by this time," he answered. "You'll
pardon me, sir," he continued, "but I don't like th