ght that the boats they saw were
only the advanced guard, and that a much stronger force was following.
First one and then another cut their cables, and, getting out their long
sweeps, pulled away on either hand. Some four or five stood to the
southward, and Jack in hot haste followed them. Adair pursued nearly
the same number round the north end of the island, while the main body,
with whom Mr Cherry was engaged, showed a disposition to run up a
narrow inlet or channel, which appeared astern of them. Jack cheered on
his men, and they, nothing loth, gave way with a will. Still the
pirates showed that they possessed very fast heels, besides which they
could kick, as the British found to their cost, and several shots from
their stern guns struck the boat as she got nearer to them. A groan
burst from the lips of one of the seamen. He pulled on; but Jack saw
his hands suddenly let go his oar, and down he sank. Directly
afterwards another poor fellow was hit. This loss considerably lessened
the speed of the boat; some little time also was occupied in placing the
wounded men in the stern-sheets, and in looking to their wounds.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

HOT FIGHTING.

With Jack Rogers had come little Harry Bevan; Jack, not believing that
there would be any fighting, had got leave to bring his young charge
with him. As the shot were flying thickly about, how gladly would he
have shielded the young lad with his own body. He wished that he could
have ventured to stow him down at the bottom of the boat, out of harm's
way; but he knew well enough that Harry would not have remained there a
minute had he done so. Not a thought that he himself might be hit
crossed Jack's mind. His whole anxiety was for the young boy. Harry,
however, seemed unconscious of danger. He was leaning over one of the
wounded men, assisting to bind up his arm, when Jack saw his hand drop
powerless by his side, while he fell forward. Jack caught him in time.
"What is the matter, Harry?" he exclaimed. "Are you hurt, lad?"

"A strange pain about my shoulder and arm and neck," he answered
faintly. "Oh, I am very sick, Rogers, very sick." Jack saw that the
boy's jacket was torn. He cut away the cloth with his knife; the blood
how gushed out freely; there was a desperate wound on the shoulder. No
woman could have dressed it with more care and gentleness than did Jack.
He poured some brandy and water down the lad's throat, which much
revived