of the boat into the deep water,
hanging suspended till the men above began to haul and without leaving
him to climb, he was drawn up to the window and helped in, to stand
dripping on the floor, and far more concerned about the contents of the
bag than his own state.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

HOW MARK PASSED A BAD NIGHT.

The prisoners had been gathered together in the cabins, of which the
whole were in their possession, and were still discussing various plans
for proceeding when the splash of oars was heard through the open
cabin-window, and as Mark was one of the first to run and look out he
could plainly see that the prau they had passed was returning, her
course being marked by the undulating streams of light which flashed
away at each dip of the long sweeps.

In a few minutes the vessel had passed, going right up to the bows of
the _Petrel_, and now a loud burst of talking was heard on the night
air. It rose and fell and rose again, quite a discussion full of
commands and protests, so they seemed from the tones of the voices,
lasting for a full quarter of an hour, and then all was still, not so
much as the tramp of a foot being heard upon the deck of the ship.

The ladies had retired into one of the cabins, the sailors seated
themselves quietly in one corner, sipping the cold grog the captain gave
them, and Mark sat near his father listening to the discussion going on.

The major was for a bold attack upon the pirates and driving them
overboard.

Morgan, who was wounded, proposed that the ladies should be lowered down
into the boat at once, and that they should escape and take refuge upon
the island.

Gregory said scarcely anything, and when pressed he cried in a harsh
tone:

"I'm ready for what my captain settles to do. Then I'll do my best, but
I'll not take any responsibility."

"But you'll fight, Gregory, if called on, eh?" said the major.

"Try me," replied the first-mate gruffly.

"Well, Captain Strong, what's it to be?" said the major; "a bold attack
upon the scoundrelly set of jail-sweepings and a lesson for them in
British valour?"

"No attack, Major O'Halloran, but a bold defence, sir. Weak as we are
it is the better policy."

"Then you mean to hold the ship, Strong?"

"To the last," said the captain sternly.

"Good!" said Gregory. "Then let's get to work before it's daylight."

"What are you going to do?"

"First thing, sir, is to get out a few tools I have in my cabin and take