broken by the deep-toned voice of
the captain speaking through a trumpet. Then came the concussion and
fierce roar of the guns overhead, followed by the thunder of those of
their opponent, and the crash of the shot as they tore their way through
the sides of the ship. Many of the ladies shrieked loudly, with wild
fright, and clung trembling to each other. Yes, the bloody fight had
really begun; how would it terminate? Next there was a crashing sound
as if the ship had struck on a rock, and she trembled in all her
timbers, and there was still the roar of the great guns, but added to it
the rattle of musketry; and now followed wild shouts and shrieks, and
the clashing of steel as cutlass met cutlass, and men strove desperately
for life, and there was the sharp report of pistol shots, and the cries
increased; and there was the tramping of feet, every moment becoming
louder, and the clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries growing
nearer. And now one of the officers rushed down the ladder. His face
was pale; there was blood on his arm.

"Ladies, we will defend you to the last," he exclaimed. "But come up on
the main-deck, and keep together. We have been boarded and overpowered.
We have rallied on the afterpart of the deck, and hold it still; but
there is no time to be lost."

Miss Armytage and her mother were the first to lead the way. When they
reached the main-deck they saw the gallant band of the defenders
struggling with overwhelming numbers of the enemy. In the front rank
was Colonel Armytage. A huge seaman, a negro, had attacked him, and was
pressing him hard. He seemed to be already wounded; others were rushing
on. His foot slipped and he fell. His opponent's cutlass was uplifted
to give him a blow, which must have proved fatal, when a young officer
sprang forward, interposed his own sword, and turned aside the weapon of
his enemy.

"Yield, sir," he exclaimed in French. "You are a prisoner, and your
life shall be respected." As he spoke, aided by the others, he dragged
the colonel, no longer able to resist, out from the _melee_, and at that
moment Edda recognised him as the young stranger whom she had met so
frequently at Calcutta.

"All who yield shall have quarter," cried a voice from among the
assailants of the British. "We are honourable enemies, and seek the
lives of none who no longer resist. The ladies shall be protected."

"It's Hobson's choice," said one of the passengers: "let us