Wildfire Ned was quickly followed by Lieutenant Garnet, who, at the head of his brave boat’s crew, cut their way up on to the decks.
And close at his heels followed Bob Bertram, supported by a strong body.
The fighting was now dreadful on all sides.
Wherever Wildfire Ned dashed he left behind him dozens of victims.
Tim was in great danger, both from friend and foe.
Glancing shots, and accidental strokes from swords and cutlasses came very near him.
By continual shouting he attracted the attention of Bob Bertram, who immediately cut the ropes and set him free.
Tim took advantage of his liberty to conceal himself as best he could under the bulwarks.
But he amused himself very greatly by pounding on the skull of one of Death-wing’s band, who had been literally smashed to atoms by Wildfire Ned’s blows.
The Skeleton Crew, finding that their vessel must now be stranded, and no hope remained of saving her, determined to blow her up.