India
trader, probably, which would afford a rich prize to the captors.

The excitement of the captain and officers was extreme. Already they
anticipated the rich booty which would soon be theirs.

"Oh! do you think those people on board that vessel will give in without
fighting?" asked David.

"I think very likely not," said Harry; "we shall soon know; in less than
an hour we shall be alongside."

"What had we better do?" asked David.

"Stay on deck and see what takes place," said Harry.

"What, and run the chance of being shot?" said David; "I don't think
that would be wise."

"Well, let us wait and see till the time comes," said Harry, who was
evidently very unwilling to go below while any fighting was taking
place.

In the meantime the Frenchmen were very active in preparing the ship for
action. Arm-chests were thrown open, and arms were handed to each of
the crew. The cutlasses were secured to their waists, and the pistols
they stuck in their belts. The guns were cast loose and loaded, and the
French ensign run up at the peak. The magazine was opened, and Harry
and David were called aft by the captain, and told to go below.

"I knew that's what we should have to do," said Harry.

"Stand by, and hand up the powder as it is wanted," said the captain, in
an authoritative tone, which there was no disobeying. Pierre and the
other boys were employed in the same way.

"We shall have to carry the powder on deck in these tubs, and sit on it
till it is wanted," said Harry.

"And run as great a risk of being shot as any of the crew?" asked David.

"There's no help for it," said Harry. "If we refuse, the French skipper
is just as likely to shoot us through the head as not. He's been
waiting for this opportunity to have his revenge on us."

As soon as the guns were loaded, a fresh supply of powder was called
for, and Harry and the other boys were ordered to carry it up on deck.
There they sat in a row on the tubs which contained the bags of powder,
looking anything but contented with their lot. The schooner now rapidly
came up with the merchant vessel,--for such there seemed no doubt was
the character of the chase. Whether or not she would fight seemed a
question. As they drew nearer, a considerable number of men were seen
on deck, and she gave no signs of yielding. As soon as the Frenchman's
bow-chaser could be brought to bear, a shot was fired, but no reply was
given. Another and another followed