nd.

Nothing occurred for several days, during which the _Avenger_ still
continued her course. What the captain's intentions were did not
transpire; they were known only to Francisco.

"We are very short of water, sir," reported Hawkhurst one morning:
"shall we have enough to last us to where we are going?"

"How many days of full allowance have we on board?"

"Not above twelve at the most."

"Then we must go on half allowance," replied Cain.

"The ship's company wish to know where we are going, sir."

"Have they deputed you to ask the question?"

"Not exactly, sir; but I wish to know myself," replied Hawkhurst, with
an insolent air.

"Turn the hands up," replied Cain: "as one of the ship's company under
my orders, you will, with the others, receive the information you
require."

The crew of the pirate collected aft.

"My lads," said Cain, "I understand, from the first mate, that you are
anxious to know where you are going? In reply, I acquaint you, that
having so many wounded men on board, and so much plunder in the hold, I
intend to repair to our rendezvous when we were formerly in this part of
the world--the _Caicos_. Is there any other question you may wish to
ask of me?"

"Yes," replied Hawkhurst; "we wish to know what your intentions are
relative to that young man Francisco. We have lost immense wealth; we
have now thirty men wounded in the hammocks, and nine we left dead on
the shore; and I have a bullet through my body, all of which has been
occasioned by him. We demand justice!"

Here Hawkhurst was supported by several of the pirates; and there were
many voices which repeated the cry of "Justice!"

"My men! you demand justice, and you shall have it," replied Cain.
"This lad you all know well; I have brought him up from a child. He has
always disliked our mode of life, and has often requested to leave it,
but has been refused. He challenged me by our own laws, `Blood for
blood!' He wounded me; but he was right in his challenge, and,
therefore, I bear no malice. Had I been aware that he was to have been
sent on shore to die with hunger, I would not have permitted it. What
crime had he committed? None; or, if any, it was against me. He was
then sentenced to death for no crime, and you yourselves exclaimed
against it. Is it not true?"

"Yes--yes," replied the majority of the pirates.

"By a miracle he escapes, and is put in charge of another man's
property. He is made a prisoner,