it could, it
made for the ladder on the starboard side; but just then the ship gave a
tremendous lurch, and our enemy missed the ladder, nearly fell, but
saved himself, and consequent upon the impetus with which he was moving,
darted right in through the companion-way.

The next moment he was down on the deck, making a half-stifled sound,
and held fast while a revolver and knife were taken from a belt beneath
his oilskin. Then his hands were bandaged behind his back, his legs
treated to bonds, and he was dragged into the cabin, while we stood
panting over him.

"Look here," said Mr Frewen then, in a hoarse voice; "we are going to
lock you in this cabin, but mind, we're all armed--feel that!--it is the
point of a revolver--and I swear to you by all that is holy, if you make
a sound I'll shoot you as I would a dog."

He made a curious, half-choking sound, and we drew back out of the cabin
and the door was shut and fastened.

"Have you got his knife and pistol, Brymer?"

"Yes. All safe. Now then, forward silently till we are close upon
them, and then give your signal--a whistle, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Give it sharply; it will do for your friends as well as for us. Then
fire if there is the least resistance, close with them, and let's get
them under hatches. But I beg pardon, sir; you are in command."

"Nonsense! You could not have given better advice."

"But they will not show much fight. Without their leader they will be
like sheep."

I could not help hoping that they would turn out to be like sheep, and
leave it to us to play the sheep-dog with them.

"Now then, one more word," said the mate. "It would have been better to
divide, and part go to starboard, the rest to port, but we are so few."

"Yes, let's keep together," said Mr Frewen, "and make our rush. Creep
forward half-way, then I'll whistle, and we must do our best. Ready,
Mr Preddle?"

"Yes, sir, I'm ready; but I'm afraid you must not expect much from me.
I'll hit as hard as I can though."

"That will do. Now, gentlemen, forward!"

The wind shrieked more loudly than ever as Mr Frewen gave the word, and
with our pistols ready we crept forward with no little difficulty toward
where the lanterns swung, keeping together, and moving slowly so as to
keep our feet. Before we were half-way toward the bows we could see a
dull light glowing from the forecastle-hatch, and a couple of dark
figures standing in front of it, so that their oilskin-c