a
entered the fort. An earnest conversation ensued between him and his
master, who explained that the pirates, after proceeding some way along
the coast, had caught sight of the wreck; that they had pulled close up
to it, and then gone on board. They had also visited Flagstaff Rock,
and hauled down the flag, of which they had taken possession. They had
been till dark engaged in plundering the wreck. Not finding, however,
any good landing-place, they had pulled away along the shore, happily in
the opposite direction to that where our vessel was building. Tanda had
then followed them. Having anchored their prows in the sheltered bay,
they had, as is their custom, landed and encamped. He had left them all
busily engaged cooking and eating their food, so that there was no fear
of their moving that night. It was but too probable, however, that they
would return to the wreck on the following morning. We could only hope
that there would be too much sea on the rocks to enable them to land
near the house.

This information was satisfactory, and we agreed that the probabilities
of their attacking us were less than we had supposed. We accordingly
lay down to rest for a short time, till the return of daylight should
enable us the better to recommence our labours. Two of our party,
however, stood assemblies during the remainder of the night, to give
timely notice of the approach of the enemy, should the pirates have
discovered us.

As soon as it was daylight Tanda again went out to watch their
proceedings, taking some sago and a little cocoa, to enable him to
remain out as long as necessary without returning. We, having
breakfasted, recommenced our labours, and at length had finished the
fort to the satisfaction of Mr Thudicumb. We had now, however, to dig
some pits, in one of which the ladies might be sheltered should we be
attacked, while in the other we might stow our ammunition.

"But we are ready to run every risk you do," said Emily, when she
understood what we were about.

We however persuaded her that it would be much more to our satisfaction
to know that the Frau and they were in safety, should bullets be flying
about. "Besides, Miss Emily, if any of us are wounded, we must look to
you to attend to us," said Oliver.

She gave a glance up at Oliver's face. "Oh, I pray that may not be,"
she observed. "How dreadful to think that, although we have done no one
any harm, we run a risk of having to fight thos