Adair saw that a desperate effort
must be made, or the enemy would after all gain the deck.

"Keep them off the after-part of the vessel, Snatchblock, whatever you
do," he shouted, and calling Desmond they together dragged over the
other still loaded gun and ran it through the foremost port, with its
muzzle pointed towards the mass of their assailants, who were prepared
to follow those already climbing up the side. Desmond fired, springing
out of the way of the gun as it ran back. The deadly missiles with
which it was loaded, scattering among their assailants, knocked over
several howling with pain, two at least dropping dead, when the British
seamen with their cutlasses quickly cleared the rigging and sides of the
remainder.

The tones in which the shouts and loud jabbering of the pirates were
uttered showed that they were beginning to think that they had had
enough of it. Adair and Snatchblock, with several of the men, set to
work and reloaded the muskets, and just as the most daring of their
assailants were about to make a fresh attack they let fly a volley. The
pirates did not stop to receive another, but getting out their oars
began to pull off, each boat seeming to be the most eager to get away
from the daring little band who had so obstinately refused to have their
throats cut, and the blacks in their charge taken from them.

The seamen, though bleeding and sore from many a cut and thrust, gave
vent to their satisfaction in a triumphant cheer.

"I think we are clear of them for the present, sir," said Snatchblock,
"and I doubt whether they will be in a hurry to come back again."

"We will be prepared at all events," said Adair. "Get the guns and
small arms reloaded and placed ready for action, and then see who is
most hurt. It won't do to let our blood flow till we grow weak."

"Ay! ay! sir," answered Ben. "I believe most of us have got a scratch
or two, but I hope you are not hurt, sir."

"As to that, I believe that I have not escaped scot free," said Adair;
"but I want to overhaul those who have suffered most, and bind up their
wounds. You may release Pedro, and get his assistance, though it won't
do to cast the others loose just yet."

Adair as he spoke felt very faint, and had not Snatchblock caught him he
would have fallen on the deck. Desmond ran to his assistance, and while
he sat on the stool outside the cabin brought a glass of strong grog,
which quickly revived him; the men were in the