e.

I voyaged in the English ship without mishap so long as we sailed upon
uncharted seas, but when we entered home waters we kept a sharp
look-out for pirates and free-booters, who at this time took toll from
all whom they encountered. Off the coast of Africa we exchanged signals
with passing vessels, from whom we learnt that pirates had been sighted
in close proximity, and one morning we noticed two schooners bearing
down upon us. As the wind was in favour of the pirates, for such we
judged them to be, we could not hope to outrun them, our ship being
foul after her long voyage, so the men were mustered and made ready for
action.

While these preparations were on foot I could not help admiring the
cool and fearless manner in which the English sailors set about their
work. There was no hurry or confusion in their methods. Each man knew
his duty, and was ready to do it.

With shouts and yells from the pirates on board of her, one of the
schooners now ranged alongside, and the grappling irons were hove
athwart our bulwarks. I sent a shower of grape from the gun, of which I
had charge, upon the deck of the schooner, killing four of the pirates
and wounding others, but this failed to stop the boarding party, who
now swarmed upon us. The fight became general, and, led by Captain
Bland, we engaged the robbers with such goodwill that we had almost
succeeded in driving them over the side when the second schooner came
up, and a fresh horde of ruffians joined in the attack. Retreating aft,
we again made a stand, though it was evident that, in the end, we must
be overpowered, outnumbered, as we were, three to one.

Still we continued to fight on with no thought of surrender, for we
knew that capture would mean death by walking the plank. Four of the
English on our side were killed, besides seven or eight of those of
other nationalities, whilst many were wounded. The decks were slippery
with blood, and a gathering mist made it impossible to ascertain the
extent of our losses. Captain Bland now placed himself beside me, and
together we held the pirates at bay.

"This can't last, Van Bu," he said, "and I am resolved that my ship
shall not fall into the hands of these scoundrels."

"What can you do?" I answered, without pausing in my defence.

"I'll fire the magazine sooner than let them take her," replied Bland.
"Keep them in check for a while and we'll sink together."

With these words he sprang to the hatchway while I cont