ht over and over again how he should act; but at
the end of the time had arrived at no conclusion.

John Deane of Nottingham--by W.H.G. Kingston

CHAPTER THIRTY.

IMPRISONMENT IN THE PIRATES' ISLAND--THE LOVERS' MEETING.

Notwithstanding the fears of the prisoners, the pirates seemed to have
no intention of starving them, for in a short time a man came to the hut
with an ample supply of cooked meat and a basket containing several
bottles of wine.

"There, mates," he said, "our captain sent you these things, and advises
you to think over the matter our chief mate spoke to you about the other
day. You will judge how we fare ourselves by the way we treat you."

As there was food enough to last for some time they naturally expected
they should not receive another visit during the day. As soon,
therefore, as they had satisfied their hunger, Burridge continued his
examination of the roof, and found, by removing the bamboo rafters, he
could without difficulty force his way out through it. He proposed,
therefore, as soon as it was dark, to get out and find his way down to
the shore, as, in all probability, the island being but small, he could
do so without difficulty. He thought then that if a boat or a small
vessel could be found, they might all manage to get on board and make
their escape without being discovered.

"You see," he observed, "all is fish which comes to the nets of these
gentlemen, and they will take small craft as well as large vessels.
They are very likely to have captured a small schooner or sloop, and to
have brought her into the harbour. They're certain also, if they have
done so, not to keep any strict watch over her, and if we 'bide our time
we shall find a way of getting on board without interruption. I have
heard of the doings of these gentry, and, depend upon it, some night
they will be having a carouse when no one will be on the look-out."

These remarks of the honest boatswain raised the spirits of his
companions, and they determined, at all risks, to take advantage of the
opportunity should it occur. The midshipmen proposed that the whole
party should go together; but this Jack over-ruled, considering that
should any body come to the hut and find it empty, search would be made
for them, whereas by only one being absent, discovery was less likely.
As soon, therefore, as it was dark Burridge made his way through the
roof, and they heard him drop gently to the ground on the other sid