I mention the circumstance to show the abomination of the privateering system, but people generally did not see it in the same light in those days.
A suspicious sail appearing in the offing, the Spaniards were allowed to go on shore, though Lieutenant Pyke declared that if he had his way they should all have been made to pay a heavy ransom first. The anchor was hove up, and we stood out to sea. We were becalmed during the day, while still at a distance from the stranger. As evening approached, a breeze springing up, she neared us, with a black flag flying from her peak. From the cut of her sail and the appearance of her hull, she was an English vessel, fully as large, if not larger, than the Dolphin; but there could be no doubt of her character—she was a pirate. The drum beat to quarters, and preparations were made to give her a warm reception. Mrs Podgers and Kitty were sent down into the cockpit, where they might be out of harm’s way. It was by this time nearly dark, but still the stranger could be seen gliding towards us through the thickening gloom. Dick took me up and carried me to them, in spite of my entreaties to be allowed to see the fun.
“It will be no fun, Charley, if yonder scoundrels do as they intend, and try to take the ship,” he remarked. “At all events, there will be some desperate fighting, and a shot may carry your head off, my boy—so below you must go, whether you like it or not.”
Kitty took my hand and drew me towards her as soon as I appeared, thankful that I was not to be exposed to danger.
“I should think the little brat might be made useful, sitting on an ammunition tub,” exclaimed Mrs Podgers. “Why should he be more petted than the other boys?”
“No, no!” cried Kitty, holding me fast. “He is younger than they are, and it would be cruel to let him run the risk of being hurt.”
We waited for some time, no one speaking; for Mrs Podgers was too much frightened, and Kitty too anxious, to do so. At length there came the dull sound of a gun fired from the other vessel, followed by louder, clearer reports of several discharged by the Dolphin. The enemy replied with a still greater number, and several broadsides were soon afterwards rapidly exchanged between the combatants. The firing now ceased. We waited almost breathless to hear it begin again.