“Pretty tough crowd,” replied Monday; “they cut a throat as soon as look.”
“However, they leave us alone.”
“What of the ship, sah?”
“By the great Jove, they will make short work of those on board!”
“That’s so; more’s the pity.”
Before the shore was reached the sound of firing was heard.
The pirates had attacked the Benares.
They swarmed up her side like bees, though many of them were shot down and fell into the sea.
What happened afterwards could only be imagined.
The dismal fact was not revealed for some time afterwards.