others were attempting to get over the
sides. Our men were bravely endeavouring to drive them back with their
hangers and pikes, a few arquebuses also being brought into use. Some
were armed with cross-bows, but they had thrown them aside for the
purpose of doing more service with their sharp blades. Never had I
heard so fearful a din, for the object of the pirates seemed to be to
overwhelm us, and frighten us out of our wits by their numbers. Two or
three of our men lay wounded, dying on the deck. It seemed, indeed,
that the pirates were gaining the advantage. A'Dale, who was a stout
fellow and well accustomed to the use of his sword, laid about him
lustily, and assisted much in keeping them at bay. It was pretty
evident that the watch on deck had been taken by surprise, and that the
poor fellows who lay weltering in their blood had been cut down
unawares. The captain, however, to do him justice, was doing his best
to make amends for his want of caution, and was fighting bravely,
appearing now in one place, now in another, wherever the enemy were seen
climbing up the sides. Still they were determined fellows, and there
appeared too great a probability that they would take the ship. But at
length we drove most of them back into their boats; several of the
bravest being killed. Our men began to shout "Victory! victory!" rather
too soon. In another instant the enemy were again swarming up the
sides, urged on by their leaders. They were evidently a large and
well-organised body, and seemed determined to conquer or lose their
lives in their attempt to take the vessel. Once more they appeared
above the bulwarks, several following each other in quick succession,
and dropping down on our decks in spite of our utmost efforts to repel
them. Once having gained a footing, they were enabled to keep a clear
space, by which others entered. Our captain, seeing that a desperate
effort must be made to drive them back, called on A'Dale and me and
several of the men to attack them. We rushed forward, and a fiercer
combat ensued than had yet taken place. I felt a sharp pang in my
shoulder, and knew that I was wounded; but though the blood flowed
freely, I was yet able to wield my sword. Still the number of our
enemies increased, and inch by inch they drove us back, the larger
portion of our crew being compelled all this time to guard the sides
from the assaults of other parties who were endeavouring to climb up
them. I