have gone to the other world to announce what has been done."

"For heaven's sake, sir, don't talk," cried Gregory, who was half
frantic with excitement; "what shall we do that is better?"

"There's another shot," said the major coolly. "Go on, my fine fellows,
waste all the powder you can."

This shot was wider than the last, and it was followed by one from the
other prau which went farther away still.

"What shall we do?" said the major--"by the way, those shot were meant
to sink that gig, and they went fifty yards away--Do? Wait and see what
the scoundrels go about next."

"But the _Petrel_?"

"Well, they can't sail that away, sir, in this calm."

"But we must retake her," said Gregory.

"Well, we'll try," said the major, "but it must be by cunning, not
force. Now, it's my belief that the captain has intrenched himself in
the cabin, and that he will keep the scoundrels at bay till we get to
him."

"It's my belief, sir, that they are all murdered by those cut-throats.
They're Sulu men. I saw two of their praus leave Singapore, and they've
been on the watch for us. Idiot that I was to come away. Ah, Mark, my
lad, I didn't mean you to hear that," he added, as he saw the lad's ashy
face.

"And he's all wrong. Erin-go-bragh!" cried the major; "there, what did
I say: that's the captain speaking, I'll swear."

For just then a series of shots were heard from the _Petrel_, and a
faint film of smoke was seen to rise.

There was the distant sound of yelling for a time, every shot being
followed by a fierce shout, and as the party on the sands tried to
realise the conflict going on their feelings were of the most poignant
kind.

"He's all right so far," said the major confidently.

"Or beaten," said the mate.

"Beaten, sir? No," cried the major. "If he had been beaten there would
have been yelling to a different tune;" and he whispered in the mate's
ear: "We should have seen the water splash up about the vessel's stern."

Another shot followed, and then another; but the brass lelahs carried
very wildly at that distance, and no harm was done.

"Hadn't we better go off at once, major? There: it is our duty. Come,
my lads, in with you."

"Stop!" shouted the major fiercely. "Mr Gregory, we can only succeed
in doing good by being sensible. What you propose is rash folly.
Counter-order that command, sir, and as soon as it is night we'll see
what can be done."

The mate hesitated between an eager