ng after
them from one of the islands to windward. That it was a pirate vessel
there could be no doubt; but Philip and Krantz considered that their
force was more than sufficient to repel them, should an attack be made.
This was pointed out to the men; arms were distributed to all in the
boats, as well as to those on the raft; and that the seamen might not be
fatigued, they were ordered to lie on their oars, and await the coming
up of the vessel.

As soon as the pirate was within range, having reconnoitred her
antagonists, she ceased pulling, and commenced firing from a small piece
of cannon, which was mounted on her bows. The grape and langridge which
she poured upon, them wounded several of the men, although Philip had
ordered them to lie down flat on the raft and in the boats. The pirate
advanced nearer, and her fire became more destructive, without any
opportunity of returning it by the Utrecht's people. At last it was
proposed, as the only chance of escape, that the boats should attack the
pirate. This was agreed to by Philip; more men were sent in the boats;
Krantz took the command; the raft was cast off, and the boats pulled
away. But scarcely had they cleared the raft, when, as by one sudden
thought, they turned round, and pulled away in the opposite direction.
Krantz's voice was heard by Philip, and his sword was seen to sash
through the air; a moment afterwards he lunged into the sea, and swam to
the raft. It appeared that the people in the boats, anxious to preserve
the money which they had possession of, had agreed among themselves to
pull away and leave the raft to its fate. The proposal for attacking
the pirate had been suggested with that view, and as soon as they were
clear of the raft, they put their intentions into execution. In vain
had Krantz expostulated and threatened; they would have taken his life;
and when he found that his efforts were of no avail he leaped from the
boat. "Then are we lost, I fear," said Philip. "Our numbers are so
reduced, that we cannot hope to hold out long. What think you,
Schriften?" ventured Philip addressing the pilot who stood near to him.

"Lost--but not lost by the pirates--no harm there! He! he!"

The remark of Schriften was correct. The pirates, imagining that in
taking to their boats the people had carried with them everything that
was valuable, instead of firing at the raft immediately gave chase to
the boats. The sweeps were now out and the proa