The cowards! They didn't dare attack the old barquey when she was all ataunto in the open sea; and only now rely on their numbers and the fact of our being in limbo here.

However, if they do attack us, we shall have a fight for it." "Bully for ye, sorr!" cried Tim enraptured.

"It's mesilf as loikes a fight, sure.

I'm niver at pace barrin' whin I'm in a row, sure, sorr!" "Then you'll be soon in your element," retorted Jock grimly.

"Call the hands aft." "Aye, aye, sorr," answered Tim; and going up to the rail he shouted out in his ringing voice, "All ha-a-nds aft!" "Now, my men," said "Old Jock," leaning over the poop and addressing them as they stood below on the main-deck--"we've got a batch of rascally pirates coming up after us astern; and, as you know, we can't run away from 'em.