. . .able's deck running below to hide themselves from the inquisitive gaze of the undesirable steamer. The Dutchmen, thinking that assistance was at hand, began to clamour for aid, till quieted by the silent threat of a revolver being pointed at them.

Seizing a megaphone the leader of the pirates—for that they were to all intents and purposes—sprang upon the fore-bridge.

"You vill clear out of dis!" he shouted. "No vant 'elp; go 'way."

The Wontwash's skipper was completely taken aback. Naturally he was at first under the impression that the tramp alongside the Impregnable was engaged in salvage work, and did not want outside interference that might lead to reduction of the salvage court's award; but when he saw that the steamer alongside bore no name, and that the men were far in excess of the number of an ordinary crew, and, in addition, armed, he decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and promptly did as he had been per. . . Read More