t look-out was kept, lest any of the junks might attempt to steal
out and escape; but none appeared. The rocket, however, was an evidence
that some of the pirate fleet, at all events, were still inside. The
entrance was at length gained. The shore on either side was so close
that, had the enemy concealed themselves among the rocks and shrubs,
they might greatly have annoyed the flotilla without the risk of much
damage to themselves.

When morning broke the _Gnat_ was approaching a long, low, rocky point,
over which the masts of a considerable fleet of junks could be
perceived. The steamer must at the same time have been discovered by
the pirates, for the junks' sails were hoisted, and the wind favouring
them, they stood away towards a channel in the opposite direction.

"The villains will soon find they have made a mistake, if they expect to
get off that way," observed Tom to Blueblazes. "They will fall from the
frying-pan into the fire. The shots from our ships will send every one
of them to the bottom." Just then the _Gnat_ grounded on a sand-bank,
and the boats had to take to their oars while she made efforts to back
off. While she was thus engaged, the junks were seen returning to their
anchorage, sweeping along at a good speed.

"The rascals have discovered that they are caught in a trap, and, like
rats driven into a corner, will fight desperately," said Tom. "We shall
have some real work to do, Billy."

"I don't mind much about that, provided it will soon be over and we can
get back to breakfast," answered the other midshipman. "I am terribly
hungry already."

This delay enabled the greater part of the pirate fleet to get back to
their anchorage, but the wind blowing stronger as the sun rose, three of
them, unable to make headway against it, turned down another channel,
expecting probably to escape in that direction, being thus unable to
render any assistance to their companions.

On this Captain Rogers ordered three of the boats, of which Tom's was
one, to go in chase of the fugitives and capture them, hoping, from the
prisoners who might be taken, to ascertain the strength of the fort, so
that he might devise the best way of attacking it. The second
lieutenant of the _Empress_ led the boats, Desmond's making the third.
Away they pulled as hard as they could go. The pirates, seeing them
coming, opened on them with their stern guns, and at the same time kept
up a pretty hot fire with gingalls; bu