e world's dread realities.

Her sea-sickness, however, vanished as if by magic, and in a few minutes
she and her companion were dressed.

During those few minutes the noise on deck had increased, and the
shouts, yells, and curses told them too plainly that men were engaged in
doing what we might well believe is the work only of devils. Then
shrieks of despair followed.

Presently all was silent. In a few minutes the cabin door opened, and
Pungarin entered.

"Go on deck," he said, in a quiet tone.

The poor ladies obeyed. On reaching the deck the first sight that met
them was Mr Hazlit standing by the binnacle. A Malay pirate with a
drawn sword stood beside him, but he was otherwise unfettered. They
evidently thought him harmless. Near to him stood the skipper of the
_Fairy Queen_ with the stern resolution of a true Briton on his
countenance, yet with the sad thoughtful glance of one trained under
Christian influences in his eye. His hands were bound, and a Malay
pirate stood on either side of him. He was obviously _not_ deemed
harmless!

The decks were everywhere covered with blood, but not a man of the crew
was to be seen.

"You are the captain of this schooner?" asked Pungarin.

"Yes," replied the prisoner, firmly.

"Have you treasure on board?"

"No."

"We shall soon find out the truth as to that. Meanwhile, who is this?"
(pointing to Mr Hazlit.)

The captain was silent and thoughtful for a few moments. He was well
aware of the nature of the men with whom he had to do. He had seen his
crew murdered in cold blood. He knew that his own end drew near.

"This gentleman," he said, slowly, "is a wealthy British merchant--
well-known and respected in England. He has rich friends. It may be
worth your while to spare him."

"And this," added the pirate captain, pointing to Aileen.

"Is his only child," answered the other.

"Your name?" asked Pungarin.

"Charles Hazlit," said the hapless merchant.

A sudden flash of intelligence lit up for a moment the swarthy features
of the pirate. It passed quickly. Then he spoke in an undertone to one
of his men, who, with the assistance of another, led the captain of the
schooner to the forward part of the ship. A stifled groan, followed by
a plunge, was heard by the horrified survivors. That was all they ever
knew of the fate of their late captain. But for what some would term a
mere accident, even that and their own fate would have remained unk