care for may be
wounded, and the rest too busy to bring them below."

I knew my argument would prevail. "Let him go," said Mrs Podgers. "I
do so want to know how the captain is."

I broke from her and climbed up the ladder. I was as active as a
monkey, and quickly reached the deck. The fighting lanterns which hung
against the bulwarks shed their light across it, and showed me several
human forms stretched out motionless. The crew, stripped to their
waists, were at the guns, while the officers stood about here and there
among them. I caught sight of the captain's stout figure, but I looked
in vain for Mr Falconer. I ran forward in hopes of finding him. I had
got nearly to the forecastle when the matches were applied to the guns,
and as they were discharged a shower of shot came hissing across the
deck.

I made my way amidst the shower of shot and bullets and falling blocks,
and the horrible din of battle, to the forecastle, where, to my great
joy, I saw Mr Falconer directing the foremost guns. Dick at the same
moment caught sight of me.

"Charley," he exclaimed, "what business have you here? Go back, boy,
and tell the ladies we are all right, and will make the pirate sheer off
before long, if we don't take her."

I hurried below with the satisfactory intelligence. Miss Kitty kissed
me when I told her I had seen Mr Falconer, and I was somewhat afraid
that Mrs Podgers would bestow the same reward upon me when I said that
the captain was unhurt.

"I wish he would make haste and sink the ship which has frightened us so
much," she observed. "It is a shame that those sort of people should be
allowed to live."

Mrs Podgers did not consider that the Spaniards would probably have
said the same of us.

We heard our ship fire several broadsides in rapid succession; then all
was silent.

Supposing that the fight was over, I persuaded Miss Kitty again to allow
me to run on deck. Reaching it, I caught sight, a short distance off,
of the tall masts and sails of the enemy's ship.

At that moment loud cheers burst from the throats of our crew.
Gradually the dark sails of our antagonist appeared to be sinking, and
wild shrieks and cries came across the waters towards us. Lower and
lower the sails sank, and in another minute the spot occupied by the
pirate was vacant--she had disappeared beneath the waves. No boat was
sent to help the drowning wretches. Mr Falconer proposed going to
their assistance.

"No,