l, bound for the Sandwich Islands. And
you?"

"The Foam--from the Feejees--for Calcutta. What's wrong with you?"

"Sprung a leak; is there anchorage in the bay?" sang out the captain of
the merchantman.

"No; it's too shoal for a big ship. Bear away round to the other side of
the island. You'll find good holding ground there. I'll show you the
way."

The pirate accordingly conducted the unsuspecting stranger away from the
only safe harbor in the island, and led him through a complete labyrinth
of reefs and rocks, to the bay on the other side, in which he knew full
well there was scarcely enough of water to float his own little
schooner.

With perfect confidence in his guide, the unfortunate captain of the
merchantman followed until both vessels were in the comparatively still
and sheltered waters of the bay. Here Manton suddenly put down the helm,
brought his vessel up to the wind, and allowed the stranger to pass in.

"Hold on about sixty fathoms further, and then let go your anchor," he
shouted, as the ship went steadily on to her doom.

"Aye, aye, and thank'ee," cried the captain, who had already taken in
nearly all sail and was quite prepared to anchor.

But Manton knew that before twenty fathoms more should be passed over by
the ship she would run straight on a coral reef, which rose to within
about five feet of the surface of the sea. In an exposed place this reef
would have formed a line of breakers; but in its sheltered position the
water gave no indication of its existence. The gale, though not blowing
direct into the bay, entered it in a sufficiently straight line to carry
the ship onward with great speed, notwithstanding the reduction made in
her canvas.

"Stand by to let go the anchor," cried her captain.

That was his last order. Scarcely had the words passed his lips when the
ship struck with a shock that caused her to quiver like a leaf from
stem to stern. All the top-masts with their yards and rigging went over
the side, and in one instant the fine vessel was a total wreck.

The rest of the story is soon told. The pirates, showing their true
colors, ran alongside and took possession without opposition; for the
crew of the merchantman were so overwhelmed by the suddenness and
appalling nature of the calamity that had befallen them that they had no
heart to resist.

Of course it was out of the question that the crew of the Brilliant
could be allowed to remain on the island. Some of the pirat