The Frenchman answered with a sneer and a smile, and was turning to obey the order, when a shot from the privateer cut him nearly in two. The other Frenchman, who was close to him, made a rapid descent into the cabin.

“That was well meant, any how,” observed Roberts, looking at the dead body; “but it wasn’t meant for him. Shall I toss him overboard?”

“No, no—let him lie. If they capture us, they will perceive it was their own doing.”

“Well, then, I’ll only haul him into the lee-scuppers, out of the way.”

Another shot from the privateer passed through the cabin windows, and went forward into the hold. The French prisoner ran on deck with as much haste as before he had run below.

“Ay, it will be your turn next, my cock,” cried Roberts, who had been removing the body to the gunne. . . Read More