ut Mrs Vansittart was in no
mood to discuss that unfortunate subject any further, just then at all
events; she therefore cut in upon the first mate's remarks by saying:

"Now, that will do, Mr Kennedy. Please listen to me, for time is
pressing. I have just been explaining to Mr Leigh that I know nothing
about fighting, therefore I shall leave you and him to do the best you
can for our defence, and go below out of the way, since I can be of no
use up here. Good night, and take care of yourselves! And let me know
when it is all over." With which the lady took herself off, to our
intense relief.

"Now, then," exclaimed Kennedy, turning to me, "where are the cut-throat
pirates that I'm afther hearin' about?"

"There they are, less than half a mile off," I replied, pointing. "They
are coming along very slowly, hoping to catch us unawares, perhaps.
But, goodness knows, that young rip, Julius, was making noise enough
just now to be heard at double that distance, and to show that some of
us at least are broad awake." Then I briefly explained what orders I
had so far given, and waited to hear what he had to say.

"Have the small arms been served out yet?" he demanded.

"Not yet," I answered. "But they are ready at a moment's notice."

"Right!" he approved. "Let them be served out at once; a cutlass and a
brace of fully loaded automatics to each man, not forgettin' our noble
selves. With these Maxims we shall not need any rifles, I guess."

I turned away to issue this order, when I was met at the head of the
poop ladder by Bledsoe, the gunner.

"You sent for me, sir?" he asked.

"I did, Bledsoe," said I. "Come up. Mr Kennedy is here, and he may
have some orders for you." Then I turned to Kennedy and said:

"Here is the gunner. I sent for him a few minutes ago, thinking you
might wish to see him. Also, I had it in my mind to order him to send a
few portfires up on deck. It occurred to me that if those fellows
insist on closing with us, it would be a good plan to have a hand up in
the maintop with some portfires; it would enable us to see what we are
doing."

"It would that," agreed Kennedy; "and we'll do ut. See to it, Mr
Bledsoe, if ye plaise. And ye may also send up some ammunition for the
four-inches and Maxims. I guess we'll not need the Hotchkisses.
That'll do, gunner; let's have that ammunition quick. Mr Leigh, be
good enough to attend to that matther of the shmall arms, and then come
back he