CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
HOW MARK PASSED A BAD NIGHT.
The prisoners had been gathered together in the cabins, of which the whole were in their possession, and were still discussing various plans for proceeding when the splash of oars was heard through the open cabin-window, and as Mark was one of the first to run and look out he could plainly see that the prau they had passed was returning, her course being marked by the undulating streams of light which flashed away at each dip of the long sweeps.
In a few minutes the vessel had passed, going right up to the bows of the _Petrel_, and now a loud burst of talking was heard on the night air.

It rose and fell and rose again, quite a discussion full of commands and protests, so they seemed from the tones of the voices, lasting for a full quarter of an hour, and then all was still, not so much as the tramp of a foot being heard upon the deck of the ship.
The ladies had retired into one of the cabins, the sailors seated themselves quietly in one corner, sipping the cold grog the captain gave them, and Mark sat near his father listening to the discussion going on.
The major was for a bold attack upon the pirates and driving them overboard.
Morgan, who was wounded, proposed that the ladies should be lowered down into the boat at once, and that they should escape and take refuge upon the island.
Gregory said scarcely anything, and when pressed he cried in a harsh tone: "I'm ready for what my captain settles to do.

Then I'll do my best, but I'll not take any responsibility." "But you'll fight, Gregory, if called on, eh ?" said the major.
"Try me," replied the first-mate gruffly.
"Well, Captain Strong, what's it to be ?" said the major; "a bold attack upon the scoundrelly set of jail-sweepings and a lesson for them in British valour ?" "No attack, Major O'Halloran, but a bold defence, sir.

Weak as we are it is the better policy." "Then you mean to hold the ship, Strong ?" "To the last," said the captain sternly.
"Good!" said Gregory.

"Then let's get to work before it's daylight." "What are you going to do ?" "First thing, sir, is to get out a few tools I have in my cabin and take down two or three doors." "What for ?" "To screw up over the skylights, for that is our weak point.