n me to follow her. Yes, thank God! she no longer looked upon me
as for many years she has done."

Francisco made no answer; and Cain again seemed to be lost in
meditation.

After a little while Cain rose, and taking a small packet from one of
the drawers, put it into the hands of Francisco.

"Preserve that," said the pirate-captain; "should any accident happen to
me, it will tell you who was your mother; and it also contains
directions for finding treasure which I have buried. I leave everything
to you, Francisco. It has been unfairly obtained; but you are not the
guilty party, and there are none to claim it. Do not answer me now.
You may find friends, whom you will make after I am gone, of the same
opinion as I am. I tell you again, be careful of that packet."

"I see little chance of it availing me," replied Francisco. "If I live,
shall I not be considered as a pirate?"

"No, no; you can prove the contrary."

"I have my doubts. But God's will be done!"

"Yes, God's will be done!" said Cain, mournfully. "I dared not have
said that a month ago." And the pirate-captain went on deck, followed
by Francisco.

The crew of the _Avenger_ were summoned aft, and called upon to decide
as to the measures they considered to be most advisable. They preferred
weighing the anchor and running into the bay, where they would be able
to defend the schooner, in their opinion, much better than by remaining
where they were.

The crew of the pirate-schooner weighed the anchor and continued their
precarious course: the breeze had freshened, and the water was in strong
ripples, so that they could no longer see the danger beneath her bottom.
In the meantime, the sloop of war and _Enterprise_ continued to turn to
windward outside the reef.

By noon the wind had considerably increased, and the breakers now turned
and broke in wild foam over the coral reefs, in every direction. The
sail was still more reduced on board the _Avenger_, and her difficulties
increased from the rapidity of her motion.

A storm-jib was set, and the others hauled down yet even under this
small sail she flew before the wind.

Cain stood at the bowsprit, giving his directions to the helmsman. More
than once they had grazed the rocks and were clear again. Spars were
towed astern, and every means resorted to, to check her way. They had
no guide but the breaking of the wild water on each side of them.

"Why should not Hawkhurst, who knows the pass