time
before his own large boat had picked up Mr Mason, who was found in an
almost insensible condition, supported by Henry Stuart.

When the gig came within a short distance of the _Foam_, Gascoyne
directed Montague's attention to the proceedings of the large boat, and
at the same instant made a private signal with his right hand to Manton,
who, still unmoved and inactive, stood at the schooner's bow awaiting
and evidently expecting it.

"Ha!" said he aloud, "I thought as much. Now lads, shew the red--make
ready to slip--off with Long Tom's nightcap--let out the skulkers--take
these children down below, and a dozen of you stand by to receive the
captain and his _friends_."

These somewhat peculiar orders, hurriedly given, were hastily obeyed,
and in a few seconds more the gig of the _Talisman_ ranged up alongside
of the _Foam_.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

THE ESCAPE.

The instant that Captain Montague stepped over the side of the schooner,
a handkerchief was pressed tightly over his mouth and nose. At the same
time, he was seized by four strong men and rendered utterly powerless.
The thing was done so promptly and silently, that the men who remained
in the gig heard no unusual sound.

"I'm sorry to treat a guest so roughly, Captain Montague," said
Gascoyne, in a low tone, as the unfortunate officer was carried aft,
"but the safety of my vessel requires it. They will carry you to my
state-room, where you will find my steward exceedingly attentive and
obliging, but, _let me warn you_, he is peculiarly ready with the butt
end of his pistol at times, especially when men are inclined to make
unnecessary noise." He turned on his heel as he said this and went
forward, looking over the side in passing and telling the crew of the
gig to remain where they were till their captain should call them.

This order the men felt constrained to obey, although they were
surprised that the captain himself had not given it on quitting the
boat; their suspicions were farther awakened by the active operations
going on upon deck. The sounds apprised them of these for the bulwarks
hid everything from view. At length, when they heard the cable slipping
through the hawse-hole, they could stand it no longer, but sprang up the
side in a body. Of course they were met by men well prepared. As they
were armed only with cutlasses, the pirates quickly overcame them and
threw them into the sea.

All further attempt at concealment was now