sed like a cork on the
Pacific's heaving bosom, while the shrieking winds played, as it were,
fiendishly with the fluttering shreds of sails which they had previously
blown to ribbons.

Richard Rosco stood beside the weather-bulwarks holding on to one of the
mizzen back-stays. His mate Redford assisted the man at the wheel.

Upwards of three years of Rosco's rule had subdued Redford to the
condition of a hypocritical and sly, but by no means a submissive,
savage. One or two spurts at the commencement of their career had
satisfied the mate, as well as the men, that the only way to overcome
Rosco was to take his life; and as Redford had not sufficient courage,
and the men no desire, to do that, they pursued their evil courses in
comparative harmony. Nevertheless, the pirate captain knew well that
the savage Redford was more acceptable to the pirates than himself so he
determined to carry out intentions which had been simmering in his brain
for some time, and rid the pirate crew of his presence.

"We will sight the island to-morrow afternoon, sir, if this holds," said
the mate.

"I know it," answered Rosco.

"There is no good anchorage around it," continued the mate.

"So you have told me before," returned the captain, "but it matters not;
we shall not anchor."

"Not anchor!" repeated Redford in surprise. "I understood that we were
to land there to ship sandal-wood. The crew thought so too, and I'm
quite sure--"

"Well--go on--what are you sure of?"

"Oh! nothing--only sure that Captain Rosco understands his own
intentions best."

Rosco made no reply, and nothing further passed between the inharmonious
pair at that time. Next day the gale abated, and, as Redford had
predicted, Sugar-loaf Island was sighted in the afternoon.

Running close in under the shelter of the mountain, the barque was
hove-to and a boat lowered.

"The crew will take arms with them, I suppose, sir?" asked the mate.

"Of course, though there will not be occasion for them, as there are no
natives at this part of the island. I merely wish to ascend the hill to
reconnoitre. You will go with me. Put your pistols in your belt, and
fetch my rifle. We may get some fresh meat among the hills."

Breech-loading rifles had just come into fashion at that time, and the
pirate captain had possessed himself of a double-barrelled one, with
which he became wonderfully expert. This weapon was put into the boat
with a large pouch full of cart