ships, and, with a tremendous
crash, cut clean in two. Simultaneous with the crash arose a yell of
mingled anger and despair, as pirates and prisoners were all hurled into
the sea.

Again the order was given to go astern. The steamer immediately backed
out of the wreck. After gaining a sufficient distance the engines were
reversed, and the little vessel bore down on another prow.

This one made violent efforts to evade the blow, but the captain had
anticipated as much. His orders were sharp; his steersman was prompt.
The cut-water did its duty nobly, and in a few seconds another pirate
vessel was sent to the bottom.

The sea was now swarming with human beings in all directions, some
clinging to any scrap of wreck they could lay hold of, some paddling
about aimlessly and roaring for help, while others swam steadily in the
direction of the land. These last were chiefly pirates, who had
evidently made up their minds to escape or drown rather than be
captured.

As it was evident that many of those struggling in the water would be
drowned in a few minutes, the captain delayed his attack on the third
prow, and ordered the boats to be lowered. This was done promptly, and
many of the poor victims captured by the pirates were rescued and
brought on board. A few of the pirates were also picked up. These had
jumped overboard with their "creases" and other weapons in their hands,
and were so vindictive as to show fight furiously in the water when the
sailors attempted to save them. Many of the men suffered from this.
Poor Rooney Machowl was among the number.

He pulled the bow-oar of his boat, and hauled it in on drawing near to
any one, so as to be ready to catch the hand of the swimmer, or make a
grasp at him. As they approached one of the swimmers, Rooney observed
that he had a short twisted sword in his hand, and that he looked over
his shoulder with a fierce scowl. Nevertheless, as he leaned over to
the rescue, it did not occur to the worthy man that the swimmer meant
mischief, until he saw the twisted sword leap from the water, and felt
the point of his nose almost severed from his face!

"Och! You spalpeen," cried Rooney, with a yell of intense indignation
and pain.

He was about to follow this up with a blow from his powerful fist that
would have sent the pirate at least a fathom of the way down to the
bottom, but the sword again leaped upwards, causing him to start back as
it flashed close past his che