edge of the sward, keeping within the shadow of the bush until
I thought I was far enough away from the fire to permit of my cutting
straight across to the punt as soon as the man was once more out of the
way.

I achieved this before the pirate reached the beach, and then stood
anxiously watching for what might befall. I did not fear for Bob; I
knew that his eyes had been taking in everything which happened from the
moment I left him, and I felt quite satisfied that he would not spoil
our game by running any risk of discovery. The pirate walked quietly
on, and at length reached the punt, looked into her, probably for the
missing oars, and then turned round and walked back again. He had not
advanced half-a-dozen paces before I saw him waving his arms violently;
I thought I heard a stifled cry, and then he fell heavily to the ground;
and I saw another figure--Bob's--kneeling over him. I at once started
off as fast as I could run, taking the oars with me, and in about five
minutes I stood by my companion's side. He had got the man down on his
face, and was busy lashing his arms firmly behind his back. I forthwith
assisted, and, between us, the unfortunate pirate was soon so securely
bound, hand and foot, that it was impossible for him to move.

"He can't sing out," whispered Bob, "for I've stuffed my han'kercher as
far down his throat as I could get it, and have made all fast with a
turn of his own necktie through his jaws with a reef-knot at the back of
his head. He's safe enough till morning."

So it appeared, and we therefore left him, with perfect unconcern, to
his fate; lifted the light boat and carried her into the water until she
was afloat, and then stepped noiselessly into her--Bob taking both oars,
whilst I sat in the stern-sheets ready to take possession of the other
boats. They were moored at but a very short distance from the beach,
one of them being anchored, and the rest hanging by their painters in a
string, astern of her. Bob backed the punt gently off until I had got
hold of the painter of the anchored boat, which I easily raised, there
being only a small boat-anchor attached to its end; this I carefully
placed in the stern of the punt in such a position as to afford a secure
hold, and then, taking an oar apiece, we pulled noiselessly and as
quickly as we dared direct off shore, with the whole fleet of boats in
tow astern of us.

I considered that we were safe when we had attained an offing of