“What if they should prove to be Parliamentary ships,” I said to Lancelot.
“We must try and explain who we are, and how we came on board,” he answered.
“But what if they won’t believe us?” I asked. “We may be strung up before they find out the truth.”
“That would be a hard case, but I do not see how we are to escape, unless we jump overboard when the fight begins, and try to swim to one of them.”
Instead of running away, as we expected, the Charles stood boldly towards the approaching squadron. At length from the peak of the leading ship we saw the Union Jack flying.
“That must be Prince Rupert’s squadron after all,” said Lancelot.
That this was the case was soon evident, for the frigate, ranging up alongside the big ship, exchanged friendly salutes.
An officer in handsome costume, with a gold chain round his neck, was seen standing on the after-castle. When Captain Blackleach raised his beaver, the officer took off his in return, and inquired how many prizes he had made.
“Three since we parted with your highness,” was the answer, “and they are by this time safe in Kinsale harbour.”
“You have used diligence; you shall have a bigger ship before long,” said the officer in the handsome dress.