Up with the anchor, Reuben, and let us pull to her.' 'Up with the anchor and let us get out of her way,' he answered, still gazing at the stranger.

'Why will you ever run that meddlesome head of yours into danger's way?
She flies Dutch colours, but who can say whence she really comes?
A pretty thing if we were snapped up by a buccaneer and sold in the Plantations!' 'A buccaneer in the Solent!' cried I derisively.

'We shall be seeing the black flag in Emsworth Creek next.

But hark! What is that ?' The crack of a musket sounded from aboard the brig.

Then came a moment's silence and another musket shot rang out, followed by a chorus of shouts and cries.