were going up the ladder two thundering broadsides sounded in
our ears, and several shot, crashing through the stout planks and
scattering splinters in every direction, passed close to our heads, but
happily none of us were hit. They were followed by the groans and
shrieks of the wounded as they lay struggling on the deck in their
agony. Then there came what truly seemed an awful silence. We had
naturally stopped midway on the ladder for unwilling slaves as we were,
we lacked a motive to expedite our movements.

As we at length gained the upper deck a sound of cheering struck on our
ears, but it came from the other ships. I looked up at the peak. The
flag was no longer there. On the after-castle lay the captain; he had
fallen desperately wounded. Two officers alone remained on their feet,
while fore and aft a sickening sight met our view. The ship was a
perfect shambles; the dead and dying lay everywhere, the countenances of
many distorted with agony; the decks slippery with blood, and covered
with blocks, ropes, torn canvas, and shattered spars, while several guns
had been dismounted, and every boat knocked to pieces. The master of
the mariners, one of the surviving officers, was shouting to the crew to
shorten sail.

Throwing our tubs of powder on deck, we gladly ran to obey the order,
joined by Martin Shobbrok, who, amid the bloody strife, had escaped
unscathed.

Meantime the two victorious frigates had hove to and were lowering their
boats, ready to send on board and take possession of their prize.

"What shall we do now?" asked Dick, as the boats were coming alongside.
"Our friends will look upon us as deserters, and perhaps string us up at
the yard-arm."

"Not much fear of that," said Lancelot. "We can tell who we are and how
we came to be on board."

"But will they believe us?" asked Dick. "The rest of the crew will
prove that we have been helping the gunners to load their pieces by
bringing powder from the magazine."

"Just trust in God, young masters," said Martin, who had overheard them.

We had not much time for talking before the crews of the three boats
which had been sent sprang on board. The officer in command at once
ordered the whole of the "rovers" to muster aft. Of well-nigh two
hundred men who had commenced the action, one half were dead or wounded.
The survivors stood with downcast looks, expecting no gentle treatment.

"You have taken up arms without lawful authority against