Having formed this resolution, he descended the rock and approached the Malay girl.
“Things appear to have gone against my friends,” she observed. “It was their misfortune, and cannot be helped.”
“Yes, the English have possession of the fort, and have captured all the junks, so that I would advise your friends here to yield themselves prisoners, as the best way of saving their lives. I will intercede for them.”
“A very good idea,” remarked the girl. “If you will go at once I will accompany you.”
“I shall be very glad of your society,” answered Tom; “but what will these fellows do? They may try to stop us.”
“I will order them to remain here until the English come and make them prisoners. Indeed, they cannot get away without being discovered, even if they wish it.”
Tom, who was highly delighted at thus easily obtaining his liberty, agreed to the proposal. “Poor thing, she will be dreadfully cut up when she hears of her husband’s death!” he thought.
As it might be dangerous to remain longer, lest the pirates should change their minds, Tom proposed to set off at once, and the Malay girl agreeing, they started together for the fort, none of the pirates attempting to stop them.
“I wonder whether I ought to tell her about her husband’s death?” thought Tom; “but she will hear it soon enough when we get to the fort.”
While he was discussing the matter in his own mind, she turned to him and said—