In a few moments the Jove landed in the water of the lagoon with a violent splash, and the pirates gave a yell, and rushing to their rowboats, embarked, and pulled out to her.
CHAPTER VII.
STUCK IN THE MUD.
The Jove was as buoyant as a cork, and readily floated upon the water when she recovered from her first plunge in the brine.
Frank had built her for such an emergency as this, and knew she could not stay under water.
But the planes were injured by the shot, and she could not be driven aloft until they were repaired.
In the meantime our friends were exposed to great danger, for all the pirates who had been in the settlement had embarked in a fleet of rowboats and were approaching.
“They are armed to the teeth, and evidently mean to attack us now,” said Frank, as his companions ran in.
“Bedad, it’s a warm reception they’ll be afther gettin’,” the Irishman replied, with a grin.
“What a pity the Jove met with this misfortune,” said Zamora, disappointedly. “I was expecting to rescue my boy and now we cannot do so, but must spend our time fighting these villains. It is a shame!”
“Gosh!” said Pomp; “dey am bery nigh us now, Marse Frank, an’ dis chile s’pecs we done bettah git ready fo’ ’em.”