he walls where they
were sheltered from the fire of their enemies. Deane attempted to carry
poor Dame Pearson to a place of shelter. Paralysed with fear, she could
scarcely move. He found himself, therefore, surrounded by the
combatants, and in great risk every instant of being shot.

The pirates here made a desperate stand; but the British seamen, again
rushing on, cut down numbers with their hangers. Just then the house
burst out into flames, and, surrounded by smoke, Deane could not be
distinguished from the pirates who stood on the other side of him. Two
or three seamen were on the point of cutting him down, when their
officer interposed his sword.

"Hold, lads!" he shouted; "as I live, there is my friend John Deane, and
protecting a lady too!"

This timely exclamation saved Deane's life. He had no time, however, to
exchange greetings with the officer, whom he recognised as the captain
of his own ship, as the latter had to lead on his men in pursuit of the
flying pirates. The good dame now entreated him to look for her
husband; but he remembered that after the commencement of the fight he
had nowhere seen him. What had become of him he could not tell, and all
he could do was to assure her he had not seen him fall. Jack was
anxious to convey her to the boats that she might be carried on board
and placed in safety; but just as he was leaving the village Captain
Davis returned, saying that all the pirates to be found had been killed
or made prisoners.

"I am thankful, indeed, to hear it, Captain Davis," said Deane. "And
now I will ask you to assist me in conveying this lady on board."

"Captain Davis!" exclaimed Mistress Pearson. "Let me see you, sir.
That was my maiden name; and I had a brother who went to sea, from whom
I have been parted for many long years. Can you be Richard Davis, the
youngest son of Colonel Davis of Knowle Park?"

"Yes, indeed, I am, madame," answered the Captain, coming up to her. "I
was one of a numerous family, all of whom, to the best of my belief,
have long since been dead."

"One of them is still alive," answered Mistress Pearson, "though a most
unhappy woman. Do you not remember your sister Maria? Come, let me
gaze on your countenance, for my heart tells me that in you I shall find
one of my brothers. Yes, yes, I recognise your features! though I
scarcely could expect you to know mine, so sadly changed as they must
be."

She had taken the captain's hand, and gaze