ed, Francisco. I--will--repent;' and again the hand was extended.

Francisco hesitated.

'I do, so help me God! I _do_ repent, Francisco!' exclaimed the pirate
captain.

'And I, as a Christian, do forgive you all,' replied Francisco, taking
the still extended hand. 'May God forgive you too!'

'Amen!' replied the pirate solemnly, covering his face up in his hands.

In this position he remained some minutes, Francisco watching him in
silence. At last the face was uncovered, and, to the surprise of
Francisco, a tear was on the cheek of Cain, and his eyes suffused with
moisture. Francisco no longer waited for the hand to be extended; he
walked up to the captain, and taking him by the hand, pressed it warmly.

'God bless you, boy! God bless you!' said Cain; 'but leave me now.'

Francisco returned on deck with a light and grateful heart. His
countenance at once told those who were near him that he was not
condemned, and many who dared not before take notice of, now saluted
him. The man who had taken him out of irons looked round; he was a
creature of Hawkhurst, and he knew not how to act. Francisco observed
him, and, with a wave of the hand, ordered him below. That Francisco was
again in authority was instantly perceived, and the first proof of it
was, that the new second mate reported to him that there was a sail on
the weather bow.

Francisco took the glass to examine her. It was a large schooner under
all sail. Not wishing that any one should enter the cabin but himself,
he went down to the cabin door and knocked before he entered, and
reported the vessel.

'Thank you, Francisco; you must take Hawkhurst's duty for the
present--it shall not be for long; and fear not that I shall make
another capture. I swear to you I will not, Francisco. But this
schooner--I know very well what she is; she has been looking after us
some time; and a week ago, Francisco, I was anxious to meet her, that I
might shed more blood. Now I will do all I can to avoid her, and escape.
I can do no more, Francisco. I must not be taken.'

'There I cannot blame you. To avoid her will be easy, I should think;
the _Avenger_ outsails everything.'

'Except, I believe, the _Enterprise_, which is a sister vessel. By
heaven! it's a fair match,' continued Cain, his feelings of
combativeness returning for a moment; 'and it will look like a craven to
refuse the fight: but fear not, Francisco--I have promised you, and I
shall keep my word.'

[Illustra