“Cut them clear!” cried Owen. “Resist boarders!”
As he issued the order, the pirates, who stood ready in the main and fore-rigging of their ship, leaped down on the deck of the Ouzel Galley, when, with a feeling almost of despair, Owen saw Routh and several of his crew join them. Still, rallying his men round him, he resolved, if possible, to drive back the pirates in spite of their numbers. Firing his pistols, he gallantly attacked them, cutlass in hand, seconded by his mates and several of his men, Dan and Pompey fighting with undaunted courage.
“On, my lads! on!” he shouted; and so sturdily did he and his companions attack the pirates, that they drove the greater number back to their own ship. This, success encouraged his men, and once more they began to hope that they should get free.
At this moment, a voice was heard from among the pirates cheering them on, and a fresh party leaping down on the deck of the Ouzel Galley bore all before them. In vain Owen and his faithful followers, Dan and Pompey and others, fought with the most determined bravery; they were soon overwhelmed by far superior numbers. Owen’s foot slipping, he fell upon the deck. At that moment one of his assailants raised his cutlass, and was on the point of giving him a death blow, when the leader of the pirates interposed his own weapon.
“Let him live!” he exclaimed. “He is one I am bound to protect; and these fellows with him—we will spare their lives. You hear?” he shouted, turning to Dan and Pompey; “if you wish to have a longer spell of life, drop your cutlasses. The ship is ours; give in, or in another moment you will be among those who lie there on the deck.”
“Faix, thin, yer honour, if yer are going to spare the captin’s life, I have no objection at all at all to live a little longer,” answered Dan—still, however, keeping his cutlass ready to defend himself.
“And I’se too glad to ’cept your offer!” cried Pompey, who also wisely stood on his guard.
“Let no one touch them, or the boy there,” said the pirate, pointing to Tim Maloney, who, though he had done his part, had now got behind Dan and Pompey.
A dizziness had come over Owen’s eyes as he fell, but now looking up, he caught sight of the pirate gazing at him. Their eyes met.
“Owen Massey,” said the pirate, taking his hand; “I know you and remember my promise.” He pointed to the ring which Owen wore upon his finger.