e us. He quickly
attacked that, and in a few seconds had demolished a sufficient portion
to enable us to creep through. We found a ladder, which led, we judged,
into the captain's cabin. We climbed up it, and were just on the point
of springing through a skylight which would have led us on to the
poop-deck, when we saw Captain Roderick himself enter, a pistol in his
right hand and a sword in the other, his countenance exhibiting rage and
despair. He did not observe us. Several casks of powder, which had
been brought up to be more ready at hand, were piled in one corner of
the cabin. He pointed his pistol, his intention was evidently to blow
up the ship and all on board. In another moment his desperate purpose
would have been effected. As if moved by one impulse, we all three
sprang upon him, Tubbs grasping his right wrist and turning the pistol
away, the bullet striking the deck above. Mercifully none of the sparks
fell on the powder. Tubbs, grasping him by the throat, and throwing
himself with his whole force upon him, brought him to the deck, while
Harry and I each seized an arm and knelt upon his body to prevent him
from rising. Although we exerted all our strength, it was with the
greatest difficulty we could keep him down. He seemed now like a wild
beast than a human being. He gnashed his teeth and glared fiercely at
us.

"Be quiet, captain, won't you?" exclaimed Tubbs. "We have saved you and
ourselves from being blown into the air, and you ought to thank us."

The captain made no answer. I looked round for a piece of rope or some
means of securing him; for had he been set loose, he would probably have
accomplished his purpose, and we, of course, were eager to get on deck
and try and save our lives, for we fully believed that the "Vulture" was
on the point of sinking. The guns, however, had ceased firing, although
there was a stamping overhead, the clashing of hangers, and the
occasional sounds of pistols at the further end of the ship.

"The man-of-war's men have gained the after part, and have driven the
pirates forward," observed Tubbs; "we shall soon have some of our people
here to help us."

Again the captain gnashed his teeth and made an effort to free himself.
"It's all of no use, captain," said Tubbs. "I don't want to take your
life, but if you don't keep quiet, I shall be obliged to draw my knife
across your windpipe."

The captain evidently fully believed that the boatswain intended