s out, I may give you to know that our first business is
to root out certain pirates that infest that coast, and who have their
headquarters at the citadel of Gheriah, in the Morattoes' country."

I turned silent at this, remembering how I had heard the name of
Gheriah pronounced between my cousin and Mr. Sims in the parlour of
the "Three-decker", and feeling a dreadful apprehension that I was to
meet with the privateers (as they called themselves) in circumstances
which I had little desired.

* * * * *

Eleven months later--for we were beset by contrary winds all round the
continent of Africa, and put in at divers places on the way--we came
to an anchor in the harbour of Bombay. And there, riding at a mooring
under the very walls of the fort, the first vessel that I saw was the
_Fair Maid_ herself, looking as peaceful as if she had never fired a
gun.

CHAPTER VI

_IN THE POWER OF THE ENEMY_

On our voyage outward one thing had occurred to me which, as it turned
out afterwards, was to prove of very great consequence; this was my
learning of the native Indian language.

Colonel Clive, who had never been at the pains to acquire it himself,
had brought out in his train as secretary a Mr. Scrafton, who was well
versed in the Indostanee, and who was obliging enough to offer to
impart it to me, I having rendered him some services in the
transcribing of his papers and accounts. Having much time on my hands
on so long a voyage, I very thankfully accepted his proposal, though
little then foreseeing the benefit I was to derive from it.

This connection between us brought me a good deal under the notice of
Mr. Clive, who was several times pleased to address his conversation
to me, and to inquire my name and what had brought me into that
service.

When I told him I had run away from home he seemed not a little
amused, though he affected to rebuke me.

"I perceive you are a young man of a reckless spirit," he observed,
but whether in irony or not I could not tell. "And pray what do you
intend to do when we get to the Indies?"

"Why, sir," I answered hardily, "as soon as war breaks out I mean to
run away from the ship and enlist under your honour."

"The devil you do!" he cried, a smile showing itself on his stern
face. "Mr. Scrafton, do you hear my little purser here? I have a mind
to report your speech to Mr. Sanders."

But though he said this, I could see that he was not ill-