There was not a soul upon the deck of the Lady Anne; and, as if to serve the purposes of the river-pirates, the wind blew in strong gusts, and the waves splashed against the bank and the vessel itself, with a sound sufficient to drown the noise of their movements.
The bow of the Lady Anne lay high upon the bank: the stern was consequently low in the water.
As cautiously as possible the boat was made fast to a rope which hung over the schooner's quarter; and then the five pirates, one after the other, sprang on board.
"Holloa!" cried a boy, suddenly thrusting his head above the hatchway of the after cabin.
Long Bob's right hand instantly grasped the boy's collar, while his left was pressed forcibly upon his mouth; and in another moment the lad was dragged on the deck, where he was immediately gagged and bound hand and foot.
But this process had not been effected without some struggling on the part of the boy, and trampling of feet on that of the pirates.
Some one below was evidently alarmed, for a voice called the boy from the cabin.
Long Bob led the way; and the pirates rushed down into the cabin, with their drawn cutlasses in their hands.
There was a light below; and a man, pale and fearfully emaciated, started from his bed, and advanced to meet the intruders.
"Not a word—or you're a dead man," cried Long Bob, drawing forth a pistol.