hile the
other was cut almost in two by a round shot. Planks were torn up where
the shot had ploughed their way along them; blocks, entangled ropes,
shattered spars, fragments of the bulwarks and boats, and pieces of
sails, were scattered about amid large splashes of blood. The pirates,
now masters of the vessel, began at once to heave the dead overboard,
several still breathing, who might have recovered, being treated in the
same way. Every moment I expected that the miscreants would compel us
to walk the plank, but for a wonder they appeared satisfied with their
victory.

Captain Trunnion did not appear to recognise us, though he fixed his
eyes on Captain Magor in a very ominous way.

"I know you," he said, approaching him; "you once did me a good turn by
picking me out of the water. I should probably otherwise have served
for a dinner to a hungry shark close at my heels; but you
counterbalanced that by the scurvy trick you endeavoured to play me at
Liverpool. However, as no harm was done, except that my brother was not
quite so affectionate as he might have been, I'll overlook that, and I
tell you I don't wish to have your blood or that of any other man on my
hands. Now, listen to me, and if you are a sensible person, you will
accept my offer and save your life. I happen to have no one on board
whom I can spare capable of navigating the vessel. I intend to put a
prize-crew on board this craft, and leave you some of your own men, and
if you take her and them safe into the Sherbro River, you shall have
your liberty and go wherever you like after the vessel has sailed. I
must send a man on board to act as mate who will stand no nonsense. If
you prove true, he'll be civil; but if not, you may expect to have your
brains blown out at a moment's notice. You understand me?"

I watched Captain Magor's countenance, to judge whether he would accept
the offer or not I hoped that he would do so, and that we should be
allowed to accompany him. He placed his hand on his brow as he paced
several times up and down the deck. "I accept your offer," he said at
length. He did not I remarked, address Captain Roderick by his proper
name. "You will, I hope, allow my two passengers to accompany me, and
the boatswain, who, although not a navigator, is a first-rate seaman,
and will be of great assistance to me."

"No, no, my friend. I intend these two young gentlemen, who, by the way
they fought, have shown themselves to be