re
awaiting them. As far as Ole could judge, by the dim light of a few
stars that struggled through the cloudy sky, they were eleven as stout
fellows as any warrior could desire to have at his back in a hand to
hand conflict. They were all natives, clothed much in the same manner
as Sambo, and armed with heavy clubs, for, as we have seen, Thorwald was
resolved that this should be a bloodless victory.

"Whereabout is the boat?" whispered Ole to his henchman, as he groped
his way down the rocky slopes towards the shore.

"'Bout two hondr'd yards more farder in front," said Sambo.

"Then I'll place the men here," said Ole, turning to the natives who
were following close at his heels. "Now, boys, remain under cover of
this rock till I lead you on to the attack; and mind what I say to
you--_no killing_! Some of party are my friends, d'ye understand? I
don't want to do them a damage, but I do want to prevent their letting
off as great a villain, I believe, as ever sailed the ocean under a
black flag--only his was a red one; because of his extreme
bloody-mindedness, no doubt, which led, him to adopt the colour of
blood. We will attack them in the rear, which means, of course, by
surprise, though I must confess that style of warfare goes much against
the grain with me. There are just four men, I am told, besides the
pirate. Our first onset will secure the fall of at least two of the
party by my own cudgel--and mark me, lads, I don't say this in the
spirit of boasting. He would indeed be but a poor warrior who could not
fell two men when he took them unawares and in the dark. No, I feel
half ashamed o' the work, but I suppose it is my duty. So you see there
will be just two men and the pirate left for us to deal with. Four of
you ought to be able to overcome the two men without drawing blood,
except, it may be, a little surface-fluid. The remaining nine of us
will fall on the pirate captain in a body. You will easily know him by
his great size, and I have no manner of doubt but that he will make
himself further known by the weight of his blows. If I happen to fall,
don't look after me till you have overcome and bound the pirate. The
ropes are all ready, and my man Sambo will carry them."

Having delivered this address to his followers, who by their "Ho's" and
grins indicated their perfect readiness to do as they were bid, Ole
Thorwald left them in ambush, and groped his way down to the beach,
accompanied by S