Three bales on either side were raised to the bulwarks, and lowered down with the ropes until close to the water's edge and closely touching each other.
Francis sprang on to the bulwark and superintended the operations on one side, while the captain did the same on the other.
"A few feet more astern, lads.

That is right.

Now, keep the bales touching.

You are just in the line." An instant later the Bonito reeled from the shock of two tremendous blows.

The bows of the pirates were stove in, but the thick bales enabled the Bonito to withstand the shock, although her sides creaked, the seams started, and the water flowed in freely.