said the major. "I don't. No, my dear Strong; it would be a
failure. I should like it immensely. I've been in several fights, and
I was never in one yet which stood at eight to one. Yes, I should like
it immensely; but there are the women."

"Yes," said the captain sadly; "there are the women."

"You don't think me turning tail because I speak so plainly?" said the
major.

"No;--how could I, major!"

"Well, I don't know, sir. The world is far more ready to think a man a
coward than a hero. But set aside that, it would not do, my dear
fellow. We are Englishmen and Irishmen, and can do a great deal; but
when it comes to eight to one there isn't room for one to move."

"You are right," said the captain with a groan. "My poor ship! my poor
wife and boy!"

"Get out with you! Why, what now!" cried the major, whose eyes were wet
with tears as he grasped the captain's hands. "We're not beaten yet, my
dear boy, and we're not going to be. Now I tell you what is our duty,
sir."

"Yes?"

"To put into that boat all the food and ammunition we've got, and then
all get in quietly but one; and he'd stop back to get the old ship well
alight; and then bad luck to the scoundrels on board, much good may it
do them!"

"My poor ship!"

"But you'd rather sink her or burn her than let these dogs grow fat on
what they get?"

"Certainly I would," said the captain.

"Then to-night, as soon as it's dark, let's do it, me dear boy, and make
for one of the islands."

"But we could hold out for long enough yet."

"No," said the major gravely; "we're beaten, me dear sor. The poor lads
are getting more stiff and sore every minute. To-morrow morning they
won't have a bit of fight in them; why, even your humble servant, sir,
who adores a scrimmage, would rather lie on a sofa and smoke till his
wounds are healed. Now isn't it all true?"

"Yes," said the captain; "you are quite right; but we'll hold out till
to-morrow. Help may come."

"To be sure it may," said the major cheerily. "I'm ready to wait. I've
only spoken my mind."

"I thank you, major," said Captain Strong. "You are quite right. I
felt that my plans were next door to madness; but I was ready to do
anything sooner than lose my ship."

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

HOW THERE WAS ANOTHER ENEMY TO FIGHT.

It was rapidly growing dark as Billy Widgeon went slowly up to Mark. He
limped as he walked, and there was a bandage round one of his short
legs.

"I've