ng suspicions
that they might deservedly be looked upon as pirates. In the other fort
Mr Tarbot, the boatswain, had charge of a similar crew. They were very
sulky, and as the light of the lanterns fell on their scowling
countenances, Morton thought that they looked capable of committing any
atrocity, and he felt grateful that Edda and her friends had been
rescued from their power.

The sound which gave him the most satisfaction through the hours of
darkness was the regular striking of the bell on board the Indiaman. It
assured him that her people were on the alert, and that all was going on
well. It was nearly dawn when, hearing a sentry hail, he hastened to
the spot. "A friend," was the answer, and he recognised the voice of
old Doull; he directed him to come into the fort, and he soon appeared
with a companion, whom he introduced as Archy Eagleshay. The latter was
a man very similar in age and appearance to Doull, though his
countenance betokened far less acuteness and intelligence. Ronald was
much relieved at the return of Doull. On many accounts he was anxious
not to lose sight of him, and for the present it was specially important
to have him on board the "Osterley," to take her out of the harbour
through the intricate passages by which he had piloted her in.

At early dawn every one was astir. The former crew of the "Osterley"
were employed in collecting all the property of the passengers, and in
carrying it on board the ship, greatly to the satisfaction of its
owners. Four seamen had fallen in the attack, and nearly twenty of the
enemy. They were all hurriedly interred, friends and foes sleeping side
by side on the shores of that lovely bay. The prisoners were next
divided among the boats, and carried on board. Their company would
gladly have been dispensed with, but Morton judged that it was the only
safe way to break up this nest of hornets. The last thing that was done
was to spike all the guns; some were simply dismounted, and others were
tumbled over the parapet among the rocks. There was not time to do
more, for Morton was anxious to get to sea and rejoin the frigate.

Once more the anchor of the "Osterley" was weighed, and with the wind
off the land she stood out of the bay.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

DIFFICULTY OF NAVIGATION--AN OLD ENEMY APPEARS--ENEMY CHASES THE
"OSTERLEY"--THE "THISBE" APPEARS.

The Indiaman, under the skilful pilotage of old Doull and his companion
Eagleshay, wou