The Fourteenth Chapter.
The Chase. In which is told how Big Bill sailed the Black Rover, and of the glee of the Buccaneers at their cunning baffling of the King & Mr. Poodle.
HEN Long Jim said the shooting of the cannon would alarm the whole town he told but the truth. It did more than that however, for it warned King Tommy and Mr. Poodle that it was the lake and not the castle to which their company must ride, thus saving them much valuable time. What a clatter the horses did make galloping through the town; out of one street and into another they went, all the while willingly straining in every muscle to attain the utmost speed of which they were capable, seemingly realizing the great anxiety of their riders. King Tommy rode at the head of the column, his sword in his fist, his head thrown back and his hair blowing in the {108} breeze, while he shouted words of encouragement to his followers, bidding them keep stout hearts and strong arms for the defence of the city, and the rescue of their Queen.
When presently the little company came to the lake, the good horses bore them almost into the water before their mad gallop could be checked; and then only by pulling the fiery steeds back on their haunches were the brave riders saved from getting a good ducking.
It was the work of only a moment to dismount. What to do next the King did not quite know, for already those on the pirate craft were casting off their grappling irons, and as soon as the
could get free from the