The flying metal mowed down the rascals, and they quickly had their attention turned away from their victims.
The sight of the flying machine filled them with horror, and most of them made a rush for the forecastle, the cabin, and the open hatches to get below.
But our friends continued to hurl down the bombs, and soon the missiles set fire to the schooner.
As the blaze increased the yells of the pirates became horrible to hear, and they rushed on deck.
Wildly they rushed for their boats.
Some of them did not wait for the boats.
They simply sprang into the water and swam away.
The rascals hoped to have some time, but the fire reached their magazine by the time two of the boats were put overboard.
A fearful explosion followed.
High in the air the torn ship was blown, the bodies of over half her crew mingled with the broken planks and torn cordage.