We may have to cripple the chap in order to get hold of him." As this was said, Cuffe descended through the same lubber-hole and soon appeared on deck.

The ship now became a scene of activity and bustle.
All hands were called, and the guns were cleared away by some, while others braced the yards, according to the new line of sailing.
The reader would be greatly aided, in understanding what is to follow, could he, perchance, cast a look at a map of the coast of Italy.

He will there see that the eastern side of the Island of Elba runs in a nearly north and south direction, Piombino lying off about north-northeast from its northern extremity.

Near this northern extremity lies the little rocky islet so often mentioned, or the spot which Napoleon, fifteen years later, selected as the advanced redoubt of his insular empire.

Of course the Proserpine was on one side of this islet and the strange lugger on the other.