leading the sheet aft to the main-boom;
after which we took in our jib and stopped it along the bowsprit, ready
for setting again at a moment's notice, and hauled down our staysail.

This additional spread of canvas, coupled with the fact that we were
running far enough off the wind to permit of its drawing well, made a
perceptible difference in our speed--quite a knot, I considered, and Bob
agreed with me.

"Now, what's the next thing to be done, Harry?" inquired he, as _soon_
as we had completed our task of shifting the sails. "This is all very
well as far as it goes, but yon boat is overhauling us at every stroke
of the oars, and we've only _postponed_ the pleasure of an introduction
to the chaps, unless the breeze happens to freshen up a trifle, of which
I sees no signs just at present."

"I've made up my mind," I replied. "We _must not_ be taken, Bob. I
feel convinced that our lives would not be worth an hour's purchase if
we fell into the hands of that villain; but, even supposing he _were_ to
stop short of murder, his malignity would doubtless prompt him to
destroy the little _Lily_; and by such an act all our past efforts would
be nullified, and our future success rendered extremely doubtful. We
must _fight_, Robert, my man, now that we can no longer run; so let's
get our gun up and rigged without further delay. By the time that we
have it ready, they will be within range; and I think we may persuade
them to turn back yet."

"So be it," replied Bob gleefully. "I'd always rather fight than run
away, Harry, lad--at least, when it's anything like a fair match; so
let's rouse up the pop-gun and have a shy at 'em."

This gun was, as I think I have mentioned before, a four-pound rifled
piece, which was specially made to my order by an eminent firm. It was
a most beautiful little weapon, exquisitely finished; was a breech-
loader, and threw a solid shot about a mile, and a shell nearly half as
far again. It was mounted on a swivel or pivot, which we had the means
of firmly fixing to the deck.

We got it out and upon deck, and soon had it mounted and ready for
service. Bob took the tiller, desiring me to work the gun, as I was not
only a more practised artillerist than he, but knew also how to handle a
breech-loader, and I had the knack somehow of shooting straight.

I had it loaded, and was in the act of levelling it, when Bob said,
"Suppose we was to let them chaps get a bit nearer, Hal, afore we opens