CHAPTER XVII.
THE ESCAPE.
The instant that Captain Montague stepped over the side of the schooner, a handkerchief was pressed tightly over his mouth and nose.

At the same time, he was seized by four strongmen and rendered utterly powerless.
The thing was done so promptly and silently, that the men who remained in the gig heard no unusual sound.
"I'm sorry to treat a guest so roughly, Captain Montague," said Gascoyne, in a low tone, as the unfortunate officer was carried aft; "but the safety of my vessel requires it.

They will carry you to my stateroom, where you will find my steward exceedingly attentive and obliging; but, _let me warn you_, he is peculiarly ready with the butt end of his pistol at times, especially when men are inclined to make unnecessary noise." He turned on his heel as he said this, and went forward, looking over the side in passing and telling the crew of the gig to remain where they were till their captain should call them.
This order the men felt constrained to obey, although they were surprised that the captain himself had not given it on quitting the boat; their suspicions were further awakened by the active operations going on upon deck.

The sounds apprised them of these, for the bulwarks hid everything from view.

At length, when they heard the cable slipping through the hawsehole, they could stand it no longer, but sprang up the side in a body.