ump of a
splintered spar marking what had been a stout main-topmast.

To windward lay the wicked-looking schooner which had done all the
mischief, and astern the dark, dense, ragged mass of clouds from which
the heavy puffs came now and then moaning over the sea. A hot haze had
crept over the ocean, not having the appearance of clouds, but still
veiling the sun.

"See," said Captain Weber, laying his hand on Hughes' shoulder, pointing
to the schooner as he did so; "see, she hauls down her main tack, and is
running down to us; she has us completely at her mercy."

"Can we do nothing with our guns, Captain Weber?"

"Yes, we may fire them once as the villains board. You see all is
ready."

The captain pointed to the two nine-pounders, which were loaded to the
muzzle. The men were armed, and went about their duties with a dogged
sullenness which showed their stern determination.

"Lowe will have charge of the forecastle, and I, with your friend, take
the quarter-deck, the crew being equally divided."

"You will let me fight by your side?" replied the soldier.

"Not so," answered the old seaman. "Yours is a sterner duty. Any one
can fight when his blood is up, and death sure, whatever happen. I am
going to lower the Spanish Don and his daughter into the hold, and your
station will be beside them."

"And do you for a moment think I am going to be shut up like a bandicoot
in a hole, while others fight for life and liberty?" indignantly asked
the soldier.

Captain Weber grasped Hughes by the hand, looking into his face, and
pointing to the schooner as he spoke:

"The crew of yonder pirate are not human beings. They are steeped in
murder and crime. Our fate is death, sure and certain death. Maddened
by the destruction of their comrades, by their defeat in yonder Bay, no
torments will be spared us. It will not be simply walking the plank,
but the worst torture those practised villains can invent, which awaits
us."

"Look at her white sails, and tapering spars, how beautiful she is, as
she sheers down on us. Is all this possible?"

"More is possible," replied the master, "Death will be our fate, but not
the lady's. A life-long servitude of the vilest description on board
yon floating hell will be her fate!"

Captain Hughes covered his face with his hands, and his tall, sinewy
frame shook with emotion. The loud boom of the eighteen-pounder, and
the crashing of the shot as it plunged into the brig's bo