the Parliament,
and you must be prepared for the punishment due to you, unless the
admiral thinks fit to remit it," explained the officer, casting his eye
over the men. "Have you anything to say for yourselves?"

There was no reply until Lancelot stepped aft, followed by Martin, Dick,
and me.

"We were on board against our will, sir," he said, "and acknowledge the
Parliament as the supreme authority in the realm." He then described
how we had been rescued by the _Charles_ when on our way from Dartmouth
to Lyme.

"A likely story, young master," said the officer; "but I will talk to
you more anon. The rest of you tumble into the boats and go peaceably
on board the ships to which they will convey you."

Nearly half the men had already taken their seats in the three boats
which had shoved off, when the cry arose, "The ship is sinking!"

The carpenter and his mates were among those who remained, and the
officer ordering some of his own men to assist them in stopping the
leaks, directed them to man the pumps. The rovers obeyed with alacrity,
for they had no wish to drown.

We four assisted them, and as the pumps clanged loudly the water spread
over the decks, partly cleansing them from their bloody stains.

It was an anxious time, for I feared that the ship would go down before
the boats could return. We pumped, and pumped away with might and main,
while the carpenters stopped the most dangerous shot holes between wind
and water.

It was a great relief at length to see the boats come back. They
brought more men, and among them some carpenters from the frigates to
assist in repairing the damages. The remaining prisoners having
laboured so well, had the choice given them of continuing on board, and
they gladly accepted the offer, promising faithfully to serve the
Parliament.

Evening was drawing on, and the two frigates lay still hove to close to
the prize, when, looking to windward, I saw the upper sails of several
ships, which I deemed to be of size, rising above the horizon. I
pointed them out to Martin, and asked if he thought they were Prince
Rupert's squadron.

"No fear of that," he answered; "they must have been seen some time ago
from the frigate, and they show no intention of trying to escape."

During this time everyone on board was working away with a will, for
there was much to be done both below and aloft, while the wounded men
had to be looked after.

The captain had been taken to his cabi