“Jump up, Domingo,” said Lorenzo, when he perceived the imminent danger of discovery which they ran from the noise that the creature was making in the water, “jump up and cut away that cursed thing.”
But it was too late: attracted by the splashes made by the shark, the sentinel looked over the bulwarks, and perceived the man that was just sliding himself down the chains of the man-of-war, after having dexterously cut away the line by which the fish was caught.
The pirates had no alternative but flight, and they were quickly making away when the young officer got on deck.
Part of the crew of the large vessel was called out, the boats were manned, and sent after the mysterious visitors. But it was of no avail: those who had gone in chase shortly afterwards returned, and reported that they could discover nothing of the boat.
The circumstance was duly reported to the commander. After much consideration on such a mysterious adventure, the latter wisely concluded that the party of the pirate captain were in those waters, and that their approach to the ship was for the purpose of attempting his rescue.
Further, on examination, marks of the tools were made out on the deadlight of Appadocca’s cabin. He himself was narrowly questioned, but he stated with perfect truth, that he knew nothing of the matter.
Orders were then given to weigh anchor at the dawn of the next day.
END OF VOL. I.