her, and sailed faster
than they pulled. A well-directed broadside astonished them--they had
no idea of her force; and the execution done was so great, that they
first lay on their oars and then pulled back to the mole with all speed,
leaving the _Rebiera_ in quiet possession of her prizes, which had
already gained two miles in the offing.

The _Rebiera_, as soon as Jack perceived that the gun-boats had
retreated, was put before the wind, and soon closed with her captures,
when she was hove-to till daylight with the three vessels in company.
Gascoigne returned on board, prize-masters were selected, and Jack
determined to keep them all with him, and take them to Palermo.

CHAPTER FORTY.

IN WHICH THERE IS ANOTHER SLIGHT DIFFERENCE OF OPINION BETWEEN THOSE WHO
SHOULD BE FRIENDS.

The two lateen vessels proved of considerable value, being laden with
copper, hides, and cochineal. The galliot was laden with sweet oil, and
was also no despicable prize. At daylight they were all ready, and, to
the mortification of the good people of Malaga, sailed away to the
eastward without interruption.

"Me tink we do dat job pretty well, Massa Easy," observed Mesty, as he
laid the breakfast table.

"Nothing like trying," replied Gascoigne; "I'm sure when we stood into
the bay I would have sold all my prize-money for a doubloon. How do I
share, Jack?"

"Only as one of the crew, Ned, for you are a supernumerary, and our
articles and agreement for prize-money were signed previous to our
sailing."

"I ought to share with Mr Oxbelly's class by rights," replied
Gascoigne. "That would be to take half my prize-money away. I shall
want it all, Mr Gascoigne, to pacify my wife for giving her the slip."

"Ah, very well; I'll get all I can."

For ten days they ran down the coast, going much too fast for the wishes
of the crew, who were anxious to make more money. They seized a fishing
boat and put on board of her the four prisoners, whom they had found in
the vessels, and arrived off Barcelona, without falling in with friend
or foe. The next morning, the wind being very light, they discovered a
large vessel at daylight astern of them to the westward, and soon made
her out to be a frigate. She made all sail in chase, but that gave them
very little uneasiness, as they felt assured that she was a British
cruiser. One fear, however, came over them, that she would, if she came
up with them, impress a portion of their men.

"As