badly wounded, but falling back against the
main-mast, was able to order his men to pursue their original design
before he fell fainting in the arms of one of his men, who immediately
conveyed him to the boat.

The savages proceeded then to fire the vessel in several different
places, meeting with no resistance from the crew, as a dozen muskets
pointed at their heads admonished them that immediate death would be
the consequence.

As soon as the subtle element had so far progressed in its work of
destruction that the hand of man could not stay it, the pirates jumped
into their boat, and with a fiendish yell, pulled off for their own
vessel.

For a very short time the crew of the merchantman stood watching the
flame and smoke which was fast encircling them, then rousing their
native energies, and perceiving the utter impossibility of conquering
the fire, they turned their attention to the only resource left--the
construction of some sort of a raft that would sustain their united
weight.

The progress of the flames, however, was so rapid, that though a score
of busy hands were employed with axes and hatchets, the most that
could be done was to hurl overboard a few spars and boards, cut away
the bowsprit and part of the bulwarks, before the exceeding heat
compelled them to leave the brig.

Mr. Williams, who had remained in a state of stupor since the loss of
his daughter, was borne to the ship's side, and hurriedly fastened to
a spar; and then all the crew boldly sprung into the water, and
pushing the fragments of boards and spars from the burning brig, as
soon as they attained a safe distance, commenced the construction of
their raft in the water. This was an exceedingly difficult
undertaking; but they were working with the energies of despair, and
board after board was made fast by means of the rope they had thrown
over with themselves; and in the light of their burning vessel they
managed at length to build a raft sufficiently strong to bear their
weight.

Then seating themselves upon it, they almost gave way to despair; they
had lost the excitement of occupation, and now, in moody silence,
watched the mounting flames. They were without food, and the sea ran
high; their condition did, indeed, seem hopeless--and their only
refuge, death.

CHAPTER IV.

_The Escape._

The fire had made swift work during the time the unfortunate crew were
occupied in building the raft, and the little brig was now almost
enve