could carry. As he was eager to go in
chase of the piratical squadron, Kemp was directed also to return,
leaving Roger in command of the prize, with Bates as his lieutenant.
They forthwith loaded the two boats with the prisoners, but still a
considerable number remained.

"We can keep these fellows under, I should hope," said Roger to his
messmate; "but it will be necessary to have a watchful eye on them. If
they can work us any mischief they are sure to do it."

As soon as the two boats got alongside the _Ruby_, she made sail in the
direction that the pirates had taken, while Roger set to work to repair
some of the damage the prize had received, so that she might be in a fit
state to encounter a strong breeze, should one spring up. He had been
directed, having done this, to steer a certain course for Port Royal,
Captain Benbow intending to follow and accompany her in with another
prize or two. Roger collected all the remaining pirates in the hold,
with their arms and legs lashed, three sentries with loaded muskets
being placed over them. These were all he could spare, as the rest of
his crew were required to get the ship into order. He and Bates exerted
themselves to the utmost. Bates was now assisting in knotting and
splicing, now hurrying below to see that the sentries were vigilant. He
had looked to the priming of the pistols which he carried in his belt,
and kept his sword by his side. He had from the first expressed his
regret that so many prisoners had been left on board.

"I know the tricks of these fellows," he remarked. "They are capable of
freeing themselves from fetters, and they make nothing of slipping out
of rope lashings, however apparently secure."

"Well, let us get the yards across, and fresh sails bent, and the
rigging set up, and we shall have more hands at liberty to watch them,"
said Roger.

Working away, they took a frequent look at the _Ruby_, till she had run
them out of sight. Short-handed as they were, much remained to be done.
When the sun set, and darkness covered the ocean, the sea remained
calm, so that the prize floated motionless. No sail had yet been set,
as the crew, of course, after their exertions, required rest. Roger
therefore divided the men into two watches, he taking charge of one and
Bates of the other. Bates begged to take the first watch of serving,
that Roger and his men might then, after rest, be more wide-awake to
watch the pirates.

The prize had dr