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Updated: June 25, 2025
"Were we to do that, the people would immediately fancy that the destruction of the ship is certain, and abandon themselves to despair," said the captain. "I know our men, and can answer for their doing their duty," replied Mr Saltwell, with confidence. "If we delay getting out the boats, we may find it impossible to do so at last, and the lives of all on board may be sacrificed.
Saltwell saw that his presence did more harm than good to his wounded friend, as it induced him to talk; so, bidding him try to sleep, he left the cabin.
"He'll find he's caught a Tartar," said Saltwell; "but he must be blind not to see by the cut of our canvas what we are, even at this distance." "Perhaps, he trusts to a fleet pair of heels, and we shall have him showing them to us before long," said Linton. "I do not think there is anything yet to prove that he is not the pirate we are looking for.
Saltwell, on hearing it, sprang to the gangway, to superintend the transfer of the captain to the deck, which was managed by lowering his own cot into the boat, and hoisting him up in it. He was somewhat revived, though he was scarcely sensible of what was occurring; and when he was carried below, all waited anxiously to hear the surgeon's report.
The brig stood on towards the island, for Saltwell considered that if the expedition was successful, there was no further reason for concealment, and that the nearer he got the better, and that, at all events, with the breeze which had sprung up, he could stand out of sight of land again, before daylight.
His orders, which had been sent up to the palace, were handed to him, and with them in his pocket he hurried on board. "Mr Saltwell," he said, as he ascended the side, "hoist the blue-peter, and take every means of getting all hands on board. We sail to-night for the Levant. I shall be happy to see you as soon as convenient in the cabin."
The Lily was a fast craft, and now rapidly gained on the chase, which, as she drew within range, fired a couple of shot. Captain Saltwell ordered the two foremost guns to be fired in return. The second lieutenant took charge of one and Rayner of the other. Both, looking along the sights, gave them the proper elevation, and fired at the same moment.
As soon as Saltwell entered, his eyes turned towards him, and his lips moved; but his brother-officer heard no sound, till he put his ear close to his mouth. "Saltwell," he whispered, "don't let them blame me wrongfully for being beaten off by those rascally pirates; I did my best, as you know I would. Our poor captain I grieve for him more. Don't let a stain remain on our names.
The first lieutenant, Mr Horrocks, a red-faced man, with curly whiskers, and as stiff as a poker, had not much the cut of a naval officer; while the second lieutenant, Mr Lascelles, who was delicate, refined, young, and good-looking, offered a great contrast to him. They were both not only civil but kind to Rayner, of whom Commander Saltwell had spoken highly to them.
The sun glanced for a moment on her canvas. "Yes, sir," answered Rayner. "She's a large craft, too, for I can only just see her royals rising above the horizon. She's standing in this direction." "Hand me the glass," said Mr Saltwell. "You are right, youngster," he continued, looking through it.
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