ew out, it was to signify
that the others made the number of the ship. I turned to the right
place in the signal book; presently all the flags flew out together, it
was but for an instant. The first mate rapidly turned over the pages.

"I feared so from the first," he exclaimed; "the captain cannot refuse
to let me go, she is the `Iris.' The pirates have a current against
them, or they would have made faster progress. We'll get on board
before them yet. Who will volunteer, lads?"

Several of the men replied, "I'm ready!"

We hurried aft, and he entreated the captain to let him have the whale
boat. At first I thought the captain was going to refuse.

"We may still hope to be up in time to attack the prahus, and they will
not long stand the fire from our guns," he answered. "I don't like to
risk your life and those of the people you may take with you."

"I'll take care that we are not caught by them, and I hope that we shall
get on board before they can reach the ship," said the first mate.

"Remember, Radburn, the lives of the boat's crew are committed to your
charge, and though I shall be glad to help Captain Bingley, you must
turn back rather than risk an encounter in the boat with the pirates."

"I will do as you order, sir," answered Uncle Jack, eagerly springing to
the falls and singing out for volunteers.

The captain, however, would positively allow only four hands to go,
including Ned and Bell, another Englishman, and a Malay. I entreated
that I might accompany him, and Blyth volunteered. The captain gave me
leave, though Uncle Jack hesitated. Several more of the men came aft.

"It cannot be," said the captain, "we must keep hands enough to fight
the brig."

While the boat was being lowered, arms were collected; each man stuck a
brace of pistols in his belt, and we had muskets, cutlasses, and several
pikes. The captain would not allow us to take more, observing justly
that they might be required on board the brig. We really had no reason
to complain of his readiness to assist out friends. Not a minute had
elapsed before we were ready, and getting out the oars away we pulled,
the first mate, of course, steering.

We steered slightly to the south as the current was setting north, which
of course made the distance longer. I could not help confessing to
myself that it was very doubtful whether we should reach the ship before
the prahus.

While the mate steered, Blyth and I employed ourselve