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Updated: June 9, 2025
The commander was satisfied that Mr Tarwig had done his best to capture the pirate. He had observed the breeze coming on, and fully expected that she would escape. The fine weather having now set in, and the stock of provisions running short, the commander agreed to allow his second lieutenant, without further delay, to try and make his way to Jamaica.
"And who is this buccaneering captain of whom we have heard so much of late years?" asked Mr Tarwig. "He goes under different names, sir; and, although I may happen to know his right one, you will excuse me if I decline to tell it," answered Dillon, the dark frown still resting on his brow as he spoke.
"I suspect you do not know me, sir?" he said. "What is your business?" asked Mr Tarwig, putting the usual question to a stranger. "I have come to see Mr Fluke, and to resume my duties in this office if he wishes it," answered Owen. Mr Tarwig opened his eyes wider than he had ever opened them before.
This of course made Mr Tarwig much more ready to listen to Dillon's proposals; still, without Commander Olding's sanction, he could not promise the man his life. He determined, therefore, to send the gig under charge of the master, who would give an account to the commander of what had occurred, and receive his orders.
No sooner did the commander perceive the state of affairs than, calling his two lieutenants and the master, he proposed attacking the pirate with their three boats. "If you will allow me, sir, I will gladly take the command," exclaimed Mr Tarwig. "I intended to have gone myself, but I will yield to your wishes," answered the commander. Of course, all the other officers were ready to go.
He also directed that the guns left in the fort should be spiked, as too much time would be lost in bringing them down to the beach and throwing them into deep water. "It will matter little, however, if the Spaniards do take possession of the island, as no one would wish to deprive them of it," he observed to Mr Tarwig.
"Yes, sir, I am happy to say so," answered Gerald; and he briefly recounted what had happened. "The captain will be glad to hear this," observed Mr Tarwig, who having no time for talking, resumed the duty he was carrying on; and Gerald hurried away to try the effect the news he had brought would produce on his older messmates.
I never fancied fighting for barren glory, I confess," said Mr Tarwig; "and as our first duty is to defend our convoy, I conclude that the commodore will be satisfied if we can beat off the enemy." "We may hope to do that, even though the Champion will be somewhat overmatched; but I can trust to the ship's company to do their duty," said the captain, in a firm tone.
"I repeat that we are British, and you fire at your own risk," answered Mr Tarwig. "There is no doubt that the pirates have possession of the vessel," observed Mr Foley to Gerald. The first lieutenant seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion. "Pull ahead, lads!" he cried out; and the men again gave way, the pinnace dashing up on the quarter, and the other two boats on either side.
"The pirate has brought the chase to action," exclaimed Mr Tarwig. "May Heaven protect the right! The merchantman has done her best to escape, and small blame to her. She will now, I doubt not, fight to the last, and may, I hope, beat off the enemy." The whole party, on landing, stood listening to the sound of the guns, trying to judge how the fight was going.
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