“Come along,” said he, to the others; “we’ll send the corvette and ourselves all to the devil together. Out of the way there.”
“Stand back,” said I.
“Stand back,” replied he, pointing his pistol down to the magazine.
I threw up his arm, and the pistol went off, striking the beams above.
“Blast you,” cried he, “whoever you are; but I’ve another,” and he attempted to draw it out of his belt; but before he could effect it I blew out his brains with the pistol which I had ready cocked in my hand.
His companions started back, and I pointed my second pistol at them, saying, “The man who comes forward this way dies.”
As I said this the crew of the corvette, who had cleared the decks, charged down below, and the pirates ran away and secreted themselves. Perceiving them coming forward, I said to them, “Put a guard over the magazine; they have attempted to blow up the vessel already.”
“Who are you?” said an officer.
“A prisoner,” replied I.
“Well, then, lead him on deck, and stay here, two of you; shut down the magazine scuttle and keep guard.”