ng, and almost the next instant opened fire from ten long guns,
run out from her sides, and the Moors began blazing away in return; but
their shot fell short, whereas those of the English ship came rattling
on board them.

"I say, Roger, there is no use remaining on deck to be a target for our
friends," said Stephen. "Let us slip below before we receive damage; we
shall judge when the time arrives for us to act, by the noise they will
make should the rovers run their opponents on board. I see Jumbo
watching us."

Roger unwillingly slipped down and followed Stephen, for he was anxious
to see what was taking place. Their cabin was not altogether safe, for
a shot might come through the rover's side and reach them; but, at the
same time, they could from thence easily spring upon deck. They waited
anxiously. Again and again the rover fired, while they heard the shot
of the English ship come crashing on board, tearing up the planks,
piercing the bulwarks, striking the masts and spars, occasionally
knocking over one of the crew on the deck, while shrieks and cries arose
as the Moors fell wounded to the deck. None were brought below, as
there were no surgeons to attend to them, and they were left to lie as
they fell. Hamet was anxious to put an end to this sort of work as soon
as possible, and shouted orders to his men to prepare for boarding. The
English ship had gained the weather-gauge, so he could not escape. Now,
suddenly putting down his helm, he ran her aboard. A loud crash was
heard as the two vessels struck together; grappling-irons were thrown
aboard, the Moors swarmed into their rigging to drop down on the deck of
the vessel they expected to capture.

"Now is our time," cried Roger. "Come along, Stephen! Come along,
Jumbo! We must look out not to be stopped by the Moors, and make
ourselves known to our friends before they cut us down."

They made for the after part of the ship; it was the only spot whence
they could hope to escape. The vessels were surging against each other;
now their bows almost meeting one instant, their quarters struck
together.

"Now is our time," cried Roger, who had been waiting for the
opportunity, and together they all three sprang from the quarter-rail of
the _Tiger_ on to that of the English ship, and throwing themselves over
it, were the next moment on her deck, where Jumbo narrowly escaped being
crushed before those parts of the vessel.

"Look out, lads; we are being