an the advance, as they were
now able to light their lanterns, which had been brought, and to use
some torches which had been discovered in the fort. They reached the
boats in safety; but although the bay was to leeward, as the gale was
blowing strong, there was a good deal of swell setting into the little
cove, and they experienced considerable difficulty in embarking, and no
little danger in getting out to sea. The ships, however, showed plenty
of lights to guide them on board; but the way the lights moved showed
that there was a heavy swell, and the loud roar of the surf warned them
that they would have breakers to pass through before they could get on
board.

"It must be done, Small," said the captain, as her crew were getting the
cutter afloat. "We have gone through many a worse surf, but never
through so narrow a passage in so dark a night."

"I've always managed to see the way out of any place I've got into,
sir," replied Small. "Please Heaven, sir, we'll get out of this too."

"Very well," said the captain. "Gentlemen, I will lead, and let the
boats follow at a sufficient distance from each other not to run the
risk of fouling."

Captain Vassilato was lifted into the cutter, she was shoved off through
the surf, and the impetus almost sent her up to the entrance. A high
black mound appeared to rise before her, obscuring the view even of the
lights on board the ships, and seeming to block up all exit. Small's
eyes were keen, he exactly hit the passage, and the boat, rising on the
surge, her oars almost touching the rocks on either side, darted out
into the open sea. For an instant only, Fleetwood went alongside the
_Ione_ to put his Greek friend on board, and to order Saltwell to get
everything ready for weighing the instant he returned, and he then
pulled off to the frigate to make a report of what had occurred, and to
advise the instant pursuit of the pirate.

Captain Grantham was very much grieved to hear of the loss of so many
men, and that the young lady had been again spirited away, and promised,
as soon as it was daylight, to go in chase of her; but in the dark, he
considered it worse than useless to move from his comparatively snug
berth. He was glad a nest of such determined pirates had been routed
out; but, independent of more humane motives, he regretted to have to
send up to the Admiralty so long a list of casualties. It showed,
however, that it was no trifling affair, and he might truly