r more intricate than the part
already passed through. Jack determined, therefore, to bring up, and to
board the slaver with the boats. Those selected for the expedition
eagerly leaped into them. Jack took command of the whole, five in
number, leaving Bevan in charge of the brig.

"It is possible that the Brazilians may imitate the example of those
fellows at Bahia, and attempt to attack you," said Jack to Bevan; "you
will therefore keep a good lookout, and allow no boat to approach under
any pretence whatever. Order them to keep off, and fire a musket-shot
or two ahead of them, as a sign that you are in earnest. If they still
come on, fire the carronades into them, and drive them back as you best
can."

The boats shoved off and made good way towards the slaver. Jack
observed a horseman or two galloping along the shore, but no attempt was
made to molest the English, though they passed round a couple of points
within musket-shot. At last the slaver was seen at anchor right ahead.
The expected prize before them, the boats' crews gave way with a will,
Jack's boat leading.

He had ordered Higson to board on the port side, while he attacked on
the starboard. The schooner's sails, though they had been loose when
first seen, had in the meantime been furled. One man only was visible
on board her, he was composedly walking the quarterdeck with a glass
under his arm, through which he had been watching the approaching boats.
As they got close he hailed in broken English, and ordered them to keep
off.

"No, no; we intend to come aboard and examine that schooner," cried
Jack.

"And I say you shall not," answered the man; "if you attempt it you must
stand by the consequences."

"We intend to do so. Give way, lads," shouted Jack. As he spoke, the
schooner's ports were opened. Her hitherto silent decks appeared
crowded with men, while the next instant, four guns, run out on either
side, let fly a shower of grape and canister, while twenty or thirty men
opened fire with muskets. Happily the guns did no damage, for the boats
were already close up to the schooner's sides, though two or three men
were slightly wounded by the bullets which came in sharp thuds against
the gunwales.

"Board her, my lads," shouted Jack; and he and his followers threw
themselves quickly on deck. The slaver's crew stood their ground for a
few seconds only; then, throwing down their cutlasses and muskets, they
sprang overboard, and attempt