And Marbury and Parkington, brought to a sudden realization of their own danger, turned and made for the house, at full speed.
"Where are the women?" was Marbury's first question, as they dashed in.
"Gone!—they are safe at Maynadier's, by this time," said Constable.
"Good!—we may have to fight for it."
"What has happened?" asked Herford.
"Enough!" answered Parkington.—"The pirate ship was captured while undefended, by one of Mr. Marbury's schooners, which had just come in. They tried to regain it—their boats were sunk—almost all on board were killed—their leader is dead or a prisoner—the rest are bound, this way, seeking to escape.—Here they come! Now for it."
The pirates were marching rapidly up the drive—about fifty of them. They seemed to have decided, already, what and how, for, at about two hundred yards, they separated into three detachments. One of these remained in front, another, of an equal number, passed around to the right, and the third, containing the remainder, made for the left of the house and the rear.
"They are going to rush us on all four sides at the same time," said Marbury. "Be ready!"
There was not long to wait. The moment the rear detachment was in place, a shrill whistle rang out, and, with an exultant yell, the pirates flung themselves forward.