sed, and warfare is accursed, yet I
cannot see that it would be my duty to allow others to fight for the
defence of my life which I will not defend myself; or, for lack of
fighting, to allow myself or those who look to men to protect them,--the
women and children on board,--to be destroyed by outlawed ruffians such
as are probably those on board yonder ship."

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

As soon as the captain of the _Amity_ was convinced of the character of
the stranger, he set all the sail the ship would carry, yet hoping to
escape from her. Looking to windward however, he saw that they had an
enemy to contend with, as much to be dreaded, in their crippled
condition, as the pirate ship. His experienced eye told him that
another hurricane was about to break. Part of the crew, and most of the
passengers also, were standing at the guns, the remainder of the crew
being required to work the sails. The courage showed by all on board
gave the captain hopes of being able to beat off the enemy. On came the
tall ship. As Wenlock watched her, he could not help perceiving that
she was of overpowering force.

"Stand by to shorten sail," cried the captain. His eye had been fixed
on a dark cloud, which came flying like some messenger of destruction
across the sky.

"You must be smart, lads," cried old Bill Rullock, "if you have no fancy
for being sent to Davy Jones's locker before you are many minutes
older." The old man set an example by his activity.

Nearer and nearer drew the pirate, for such, there was no doubt, was the
character of the stranger. A bright flash issued from her bows, and a
shot came bounding over the water towards the _Amity_. On this Captain
Dinan ordered the English flag to be hoisted. Scarcely had it flown out
when another shot followed. Still, neither hit the ship. As the first
flash was seen, Jonas Ford was observed to dive below.

"Our friend is as good as his word," observed the captain, laughing.
"If any others wish to follow his example, let them go at once, for we
may have warm work ere long. To my mind, though I am a plain man, a
person should so live as not to fear the lightning's flash, nor the
foeman's shot, nor the raging ocean either; and then, whether in tempest
or battle, he will be able to do his duty like a man, knowing that there
is One above who will look after him, and, if He thinks fit, carry him
through all dangers."

Shot after shot followed. Now one went through the s