t till she reaches the broad seas."

Some of the party were for waiting at the mouth of the river, hoping
thereby to make off with their prize with less risk of its being
retaken; others, however, considered that they might thereby lose it,
and that it would be more prudent to attack the ship while she lay at
anchor.

This plan was at last, so I suppose, adopted. I looked as unconcerned
as possible, as if I had not heard anything of what was said. I feared,
however, that there was great danger of the _Diamond_ being taken, as
the pirates appeared to have a large force at their command.

I did not like to leave the room as long as the men were talking, hoping
by staying to gain further information about their plans. It was
evident they were thoroughly well informed of all that was going
forward, and it became, therefore, very important that I should be
careful as to my proceedings. I had observed near me a sunburnt,
weather-beaten man, in the dress of a sea officer, who every now and
then glanced up at the pirates as they spoke. Once I caught his eye,
and, by the look he gave me, I felt sure that he knew I had been
listening.

A'Dale and I, having finished our supper, got up, I proposing to take a
turn in the fresh air before going to bed. As we had been talking of
our voyage, I knew that the stranger, who must have overheard what we
said, was aware that our ship was bound for London. We stood outside
the door of the hostel for some minutes, before deciding which direction
we should take. Just as we were moving on, I felt a hand placed on my
shoulder.

"Young master," said the stranger, "excuse my interruption. I heard you
remark that you were in the service of Sir Thomas Gresham, and about to
sail on board the _Diamond_. I heard, too, what was said by those other
men. You understand what they said, I think?"

"Not I, indeed," answered A'Dale, who now for the first time heard of
the plot, for I had been unable before to tell him of it. "I do not
know what you mean."

"I do, however, sir," I observed. "I would ask you whether you know
anything about these men, and whether they are likely to carry out their
project?"

"I feel very sure they will carry it out. The only way that I can see,
is to be ready for them," answered the stranger. "I fear, however, that
the crew of the _Diamond_ is too small to defend her. My own vessel
lies at no great distance; and if you will accept it, I will render you