," retorted Jack; and he jumped on the
chest, and hoisted himself three or four feet only up the mast, while
Bill sat down on the deck to counterbalance his weight.

"Yes, I was right," said Jack, coming down. "I made out a boat, as sure
as we are here, and a large one, too, or I should not have seen her so
clearly. She's a good way off still, so that it will be some time
before she can get up with us. The French fellows in her must take
yonder ship to be a countryman, or they would not pull on so boldly."

"They may think that they have time to pick us up and be off again
before the ship can get near them," said Bill; "but whatever they think,
we must try to disappoint them, so we'll pull away as long as we can
stand, and then we'll row on our knees."

The sun was by this time sinking towards the west; and should darkness
come on, their chances of escape would be increased. The wind had
shifted slightly to the south-west, and should it freshen sufficiently
to make it worth while hoisting the sail, they might stand away to the
north-east. It still, however, wanted two or three hours before it
would be perfectly dark, while the boat would be up to them before that
time. After rowing for the greater part of an hour, Jack again took a
look-out, and reported that he could distinctly see the boat.

"So I suspect by this time can the people on board the ship," observed
Bill, "and probably they can see us also; but the crew of the boat well
know that with this light wind they can easily row away from the ship
should she prove to be English."

In a short time they could both see the boat when only standing up on
the raft. They had now too much reason to fear that, in spite of all
their efforts, they should be overtaken. Still, like brave boys, they
pulled on, though their arms and backs were aching with their exertions.

The Frenchmen, who must by this time have seen the raft, appeared
determined to re-take them.

Presently a report was heard, and a bullet flew skimming over the water,
but dropped beneath the surface somewhere astern.

Another and another followed.

"Their shot won't hurt us as yet," observed Bill. "They fancy that they
can frighten us, but we'll show them that they are mistaken;" and he
pulled on as steadily as he had before been doing.

Jack, however, could not resist jumping up once more on the chest, and
looking towards the ship.

"Hurrah! there's a boat coming off from the ship!" he cr