now call upon you in the name of England's King, to surrender yourself
immediately to me, as my prisoner.'

After giving utterance to a loud derisive laugh, whose echo as it
reverberated amongst the rocky cliffs, sounded like the fitful mirth of
numerous invisible demons, the pirate thus answered the bold summons of
the earl.

'You talk boldly for one whose brains I might instantly scatter to the
four winds of heaven. Know you not that you and your companions are in
my power?'

'I know,' replied the earl, 'that I and my companions by making an easy
signal, can soon be supported by an hundred stout hearts from yonder
ship, whose--'

'Ha, sayst thou so,' interrupted the stranger, 'I think that they will
soon have other business upon their hands. Look yonder.'




CHAPTER II.

_Description of Characters. Sweet Ellen Armstrong. Sudden
appearance of the Piratical Brig. The Earl's Request.
Blackbeard's Decision. The Desperadoes. The decision is
enforced. Perilous situation of Mary Hamilton and Ellen._