an electric
launch was bringing twenty more from the outer creek where the nameless
ship lay. But the men who had first landed were surrounded by the
others of Black's company, and were being driven towards the hills at
the back; and so to the great desolate plain of snow where no human
being could long retain life. From my open window, I could hear the
words of anger, the loud oaths, the shouts, could see the blows which
were received, and the blows which were given. Anon the fight became
very general. The pirates hit lustily with the butt-ends of their
pistols; the honest fellows used their fists, and many a man they laid
his length upon the rock. Yet there was no question of the sway of
victory, for the prisoners were unarmed, and the others outnumbered
them hopelessly. Inch by inch they gave way, were driven towards the
ravines and the countless miles of snow-plain; and as the battle, if
such you could call it, raged, the armed lost control of themselves and
began to shoot with murderous purpose. Death at last was added to the
horrors, and, as body after body rolled down the rocky slope and fell
splashing into the water, those unwounded took panic at the sight, and
fled with all speed away up the side of the glacier mount; and so, as I
judged it must be, to their death in that frozen refuge beyond.

When all was quiet I shut my window, and sat in my chair to think. The
negro had left me, and the whole place was very still. Neither Black
nor the doctor had showed during the scene of the massacre (for I could
call it nothing else); and in the rock-house itself there was not so
much as a footfall. I began to hope that the master of the place might
chance to be away; and when darkness had fallen I went into the long
passage then deserted, and found the door of his sitting-room ajar, but
the place was dim within; and I feared to make an attempt to get the
arms until I knew that all slept. But one misfortune could lie between
myself and the aid which I should bear to these men--it was the chance
that Black locked the door of his study when he slept. If he did not, I
could get the rifles, and convey them across the bay to the other
fellows; if he did, all hope were gone.

At seven o'clock I dined as usual, no one coming to me; and at eight
the negro had cleared away the repast, and had left me for the night. I
closed my own door, and for three hours or more I paced my chamber, the
fever of anticipation and of design burn