"The crew are alarmed, and demand of you some relief from this harassing state. Our guns will not reach the chase, and we cannot leave her in this crippled state."
At this moment a heavy ball from the privateer whizzed by them and buried itself in the main-mast of the brig.
The captain seemed fully aroused. His eyes flashed with their wonted fire. He turned toward his crew, and saw at a glance the state of depression which had fallen upon them all. He even overheard some muttered words of complaint.
"Pat," says one, "this seems to be playing a rough game, where nothing is to be won on our side."
"Faith, an' ye may say that, but we stand a chance to gain one thing."
"What may that be, Pat?"
"O, a two-inch rope, and a run up to the fore yard-arm."
"The devil! That's not a pleasant thought, Pat."
"No, but they say it's an aisy death."
"Silence, men," was heard in the deep tones of the captain's voice.