Now, then, call up all hands." In a few seconds the crew of the West Indiaman were at their stations ready for action, and Captain Ellice, with Fred at his elbow, stood beside one of the stern-chasers.

Meanwhile, the boats of the pirate, five in number, pulled away in different directions, evidently with the intention of attacking the ship at different points.

They were full of men armed to the teeth.

While they rowed towards the ship the schooner resumed its fire, and one ball cut away the spanker-boom and slightly wounded two of the men with splinters.

The guns of the ship were now brought to bear on the boats, but without effect, although the shot plunged into the water all round them.