It proved to be made quite fast, so he turned to Mark: "Now, young un," he said, "you can climb that rope.

Go up and hear from your father how matters stand." Mark said nothing, but seized the soft cord, and, with the mate's help, was soon half-way up, but the rest, as he quitted the support of the mate's shoulders, was more difficult.

Still, the knots helped him, the distance was short, and, after a little exertion, he felt a couple of strong hands passed under his arms, when, after a bit of scuffling and plenty of hoist, he felt himself half-lifted in at the cabin-window, and the next instant clasped in a pair of softly-clinging arms.
"My poor boy!" whispered Mrs Strong.
"Hist! don't speak! Don't make a sound!" said the captain sternly.
"There may be a sentry at the door." "But, father, are you hurt ?" "A little, my boy; not much," said the captain.
"Terribly, Mark," whispered Mrs Strong; and the lad felt a shudder run through him.
"No, no! Don't alarm the boy," said the captain; and just then Mark felt a little hand steal into his, and heard a faint sob, while another hand was laid upon his shoulder.
"Miss O'Halloran! Mary!" whispered Mark.
"Yes: the major ?" "Papa ?" Two voices whispered those questions at the same moment.
"He's quite right, and down there in the boat," said Mark.
"Now, my boy, quick!" said the captain, catching Mark by the shoulder; "who's below in the boat ?" "All of them, father." "Unhurt ?" "Mr Morgan has got a nasty spear wound." "Ah!" ejaculated the captain.

"Very bad ?" "Through his shoulder, father." "Did you meet one of the praus ?" "Yes, as we came across." "Gone to destroy your boat," said the captain.

"I heard the orders given.