ed out; but
they only arrived in time to see that the galliot was under way, and
that the two other vessels from Valparaiso were not in their berths.

They hastened on shore, gave the alarm; the gunboats, of which there
were three at the mole, were ordered out, but half the crew and all the
officers were on shore, some at balls, others drinking at taverns or
posadas; before they could be collected all three vessels were alongside
of the _Rebiera_; and not aware that anything had been discovered, our
hero and his crew were lulled in security. Jack had gone on board,
leaving fourteen of his men on board the galliot--Gascoigne had done the
same--Mesty still remained on board his vessel; and they were
congratulating themselves, and ordering the men on board to the
windlass, when they heard the sound of oars.

"Silence!--what is that?" exclaimed Oxbelly. "The gun-boats or
row-boats, as sure as I'm alive!"

At this moment Mesty jumped up the side.

"Massa Easy, I hear row-boat not far off."

"So do we, Mesty. Gascoigne, jump into the boat--tell the men in the
prizes to make all sail right out, and leave us to defend their
retreat--stay on board of one and divide your men."

"Dat all right, Massa Easy.--Mr Gascoigne, be smart--and now, sar, cut
cable and make sail; no time get up anchor."

This order was given, but although the men were aloft in a moment, and
very expeditious, as the _Rebiera_ payed her head round and the jib was
hoisted, they could perceive the boom of the three gun-boats pulling and
sailing not five cables' length from them. Although rather
short-handed, topsails, courses, and top-gallant sails were soon set,
the men down to their quarters, and the guns cast loose, before the
gun-boats were close under their stern. Then Jack rounded to, braced
up, and the _Rebiera_ stood across them to the westward.

"Why the devil don't they fire?" said Jack.

"I tink because they no ab powder," said Mesty.

Mesty was right--the ammunition chests of the gun-boats were always
landed when they were at the mole, in case of accidents, which might
arise from the crew being continually with cigars in their mouths, and
in the hurry they had quite forgotten to put them on board.

"At all events, we have powder," said Jack, "and now we'll prove it.
Grape and canister, my lads, and take good aim."

The commanders of the gun-boats had hailed each other, and agreed to
board the _Rebiera_, but she now had good way on