"All right!" said Fielding, grimly. "But you'll find yourself in a bit of a fix."
The sub. appreciated the coxswain's devotion; for Hardy was an excellent swimmer in spite of his statement to the contrary, and was willingly surrendering his chance of escaping from the doubtful hospitality of the pirate crew.
All the while there was an incessant jabbering going on above, the Dagoes shouting and dancing about on deck, enraged at the stubbornness of their principal captive.
"Can you get at my revolver, Hardy?" asked the sub., who had been vainly attempting to free his arms sufficiently to reach the weapon in his holster.
"I'll try, sir; but what for? They'll plug you, sir, sure as fate."
"We'll put a bullet through this line, and swim for it."
"What about Mr. Cardyke, sir?"
"Cardyke? Has he been caught too? That alters the case. Where is he?"
"Hauled aboard."
"I hope the villains haven't hurt him. Look here, Hardy, I'm going to make a dash up and over the side. Follow me as smartly as you can. Good heavens! What have they done to young Cardyke?"