ve to
thank you, Bates, for discovering their approach, and for settling them
afterwards."

The other two boats had disappeared in the darkness, evidently finding
that they had caught a Tartar, making their way as fast as they could to
the shore. The British raised a hearty cheer; before the joyous ring
had died away, shouts and cries rose from the hold, from whence a couple
of shots were heard.

"Follow me, lads!" cried Bates, and he sprang below, taking care to
carry a lantern which he had left in readiness. Nearly all the pirates
had by some unaccountable means broken loose. He fired his pistols at
two who appeared to be the most active, then drawing his sword rushed
among the crowd. One of the sentries had been killed, but the others
were defending themselves, after firing, with the butt-ends of their
muskets.

"Down, all of you, or not one of you shall be allowed to live," Bates
shouted, in a voice which awed the pirates; for almost immediately they
ceased struggling, and those who were trying to release their companions
gave up the attempt. Several had been unable to free themselves. Had
they succeeded in getting on deck, while the crew were engaged with the
boats, a number of the British seamen might have been killed, even if
the pirates had not ultimately gained their object.

"You have saved us a second time this night, Bates," said Roger. "I
must take care that Captain Benbow knows how you have behaved."

In the struggle it was found that no less than five pirates had been
killed; but still there were enough remaining to make it necessary to be
as vigilant as ever. The moment daylight returned Roger and Bates again
set to work with their crew to repair damages. At length they managed
to make sufficient sail, a light breeze springing up, to send the vessel
through the water at a good rate. As they were so far to the westward,
they had been directed, should the wind be suitable, to go round the
east end of Jamaica. They therefore hoped with a favourable breeze to
get into Port Royal in five or six days. It was an anxious time,
however, for both of the young officers. The prize had been sorely
battered, and as she heeled over the water rushed in through numerous
shot-holes which had only been imperfectly plugged. They did their best
to remedy this, but had to keep the crew at the pumps for the best part
of both watches. Roger proposed making the prisoners work at the pumps,
but Bates thought