had followed her when she
ran affrighted from the pirates' stronghold. The party was overtaken
before half the distance to the harbour had been gained, and at length,
with a cry of satisfaction.

Letta's favourite--the small monkey--sprang upon her shoulder. In this
position, refusing to move, he was carried to the coast.

As had been anticipated, the pirate vessel was found lying in the pool
where the former ship had anchored. Being considerably smaller,
however, it had been drawn close to the rocks, so that a landing had
been effected by means of a broad plank or gangway instead of a boat.
Fortunately for our friends, this plank had not been removed after the
pirates had left, probably because they deemed themselves in a place of
absolute security. As far as they could see, only one sentinel paced
the deck.

"I shouldn't wonder if the guard is a very small one," whispered Sam to
Robin, as they crept to the edge of the shrubs which lined the harbour,
and surveyed their intended prize. "No doubt they expected to meet only
with friends here--or with nobody at all, as it has turned out,--and
have left just enough to guard their poor slaves."

"We shall soon find out," returned Sam. "Now, boys," he said, on
rejoining the others in the bush, "see that your revolvers are charged
and handy, but don't use them if you can avoid it."

"A cut over the head with cold steel will be sufficiently effective, for
we have no desire to kill. Nevertheless, don't be particular. We can't
afford to measure our blows with such scoundrels; only if we fire we
shall alarm those in the cave, and have less time to get under weigh."

"What is to be done with Letta while we attack?" asked Robin.

"I'll wait here till you come for me," said Letta, with a sad little
smile on her tear-bedewed face; "I'm quite used to see fighting."

"Good, keep close, and don't move from this spot till we come for you,
my little heroine," said Sam. "Now, boys, follow me in single file--
tread like mice--don't hurry. There's nothing like keeping cool."

"Not much use o' saying that to a feller that's red-hot," growled Slagg,
as he stood with a flushed face, a revolver in one hand and a cutlass in
the other.

Sam, armed similarly, glided to the extreme verge of the bushes, between
which and the water there was a space of about thirty yards. With a
quiet cat-like run he crossed this space, rushed up the plank gangway,
and leaped upon the deck, with