I led the way to the deck, and directed Baxter to follow. Going forward, I gathered all our available force, which included half a dozen of the tipplers, who were now steady enough to act with us. I explained what I intended to do, and stationed my men in proper places to perform the work I had for them to do.
"Now, Grego, when the fore scuttle is opened, you will tell Mr. Waterford that all is ready. As soon as he comes on deck, you will lead the way aft towards the cabin. Tell him you have the bark. If you are treacherous I will shoot you."
"I will do just what you tell me," replied the trembling wretch.
I placed him near the scuttle, and told him to open it, while Sanderson and myself dropped down under the top-gallant forecastle. Grego opened the scuttle, precisely as he had been ordered to do; but I was lying on the forecastle, within three feet of him, as he did so.
"All ready, Mr. Waterford. Come on deck," said Grego. "We have the bark."
"What have you been about all this time?" demanded Waterford, angrily and impatiently.
"Come up quick!" urged Grego. "We have the bark."
He did come up quick; and obedient to his orders, Grego led the way towards the cabin. He was closely followed by Captain Farraday, and then by the two Spanish passengers. Waterford had hardly passed beyond the house on deck before the struggle commenced. Our men threw themselves upon the pirates. I heard the report of a pistol, and I trembled when I thought of the mischief the bullet might have done. The struggle was short and decisive, except with Waterford, and I hastened to the assistance of Baxter, who had grappled with him. Before I could do anything, the stout seaman had struck him a blow which silenced him. I did not stop then to inquire whether he was killed or not.
The pirates were ironed, and made fast to the weather rail in the waist. Then I felt that the battle had been fought and won. We had taken the pirates in three different parties, which made the victory comparatively easy.
"What shall we do with them now?" asked the captain.