r fire engine as a
means of defence, and I had given instructions to have it prepared in a
manner that I hoped would convert it into a really formidable weapon.
The time had now arrived, or at least was close at hand, when an
opportunity would be afforded us to test its efficacy; I therefore
ordered it to be run aft as far as the capstan, and cautioned the two
men, who had been told off to work it, to stand by the brake-handles. I
had already fully explained my idea to the mate, and he now took in his
hand the long brass nozzle--the tow attachment round the jet of which
was by this time thoroughly saturated with oil--and prepared to act as
circumstances might demand. Meanwhile the pirates had ceased to fire
their brass gun, and the fusillade from their _gingals_ had slackened
considerably, thanks, no doubt, to the indefatigable manner in which the
baronet and I had plied our rifles upon them.

The craft was now so near that, by the continuous flashing of the
lightning, we could distinguish every detail, even to the most minute,
of her hull and rigging, and we could see, too, that her deck was
crowded with men, many of whom appeared to have tailed on, as extra
hands, to the sweeps, which were now being worked with furious energy;
for they lashed the water into a perfect swirl of luminous,
phosphorescent foam, while quite a respectable little curl of luminous
froth buzzed away on each side from her sharp bows. It was clear that
they were giving her "way" enough to shoot alongside, prior to laying in
the sweeps, in order that every man they had might be available for
boarding purposes.

"Now, Sir Edgar," I exclaimed, "we will give her one more shot apiece;
and then we must stand by with our cutlasses in case our fire engine
fails."

"There is a tall fellow standing at the helm who offers a very decent
mark; shall I see whether I can pick him off?" inquired the baronet.

"By no means," I answered hurriedly. "Take especial pains to shoot wide
of him, if you please. I look to him to afford us very effectual help
presently."

My companion turned and stared inquiringly at me for a moment,
apparently doubting whether I was in earnest; when, seeing that I
evidently was so, he muttered--

"Oh, very well," and, taking aim, fired simultaneously with me; and I
saw two pairs of arms tossed into the air as their owners went down.

At the same moment, in obedience to a command that we distinctly heard
given, the sweeps wer