ure in
case of accidents, we'll heave him overboard;" and without more ado the
body of the Frenchman, who was undoubtedly dead, was shoved through the
foremost port.

Lieutenant Vinoy had not vainly boasted that he was a sound sleeper, for
notwithstanding the scuffle over his head, he did not awake; and happily
Norah, who had been stationed at his cabin door to keep him in check
should he attempt to break out, was not called upon to exercise her
courage. The two events which have been described were, it will be
understood, taking place at the same time. During those exciting
moments no one thought of what the ship was about; the consequence was
that she flew up into the wind, and it became necessary to box her off.
All hands were required for this purpose--the fore-yards had to be
braced round, the after-yards squared away. Owen, from his wound, being
the least able to exert himself, went to the helm, the captain hauling
away with the rest of the crew.

"Gerald, do you go forward and keep a look-out on our prisoners," cried
the captain. "If their arms by chance are not securely lashed, one or
more of them may be getting free and setting the others at liberty.
Call Tim Maloney to help you."

Gerald was about to obey this order, when the sound of loud knocking and
Norah's voice came from below, exclaiming, "The lieutenant is awake and
trying to break out of his cabin." Gerald heard it, and shouting to Tim
to look after the Frenchmen forward, he sprang down the
companion-ladder. He was not a moment too soon, for the French officer,
awaking and believing from the sounds which reached him that something
was the matter, had leaped out of bed with the intention of hastening on
deck, when he found the door fastened on him--then, hearing the captain
issuing orders, he guessed truly what had occurred. Supposing that
there might yet be time to regain possession of the ship, he frantically
endeavoured to break open the door. The only weapon he could discover
was the leg of a stool, which having wrenched off, he managed with it to
prise open the door. The light from the state cabin fell on him as he
appeared at the opening; just at that moment Gerald sprang down from the
deck. Catching sight of the lieutenant, he presented his pistol.

"Stay, monsieur," he exclaimed, "if you venture out of your cabin, I
shall be under the disagreeable necessity of shooting you."

The Frenchman hesitated, for, the light glancing on the