'If you will have the goodness to look again,' replied Blackbeard,
somewhat satirically, 'you will see that the small vessel gains very
fast upon the larger one.'

'There seems to be nothing very strange or alarming about that,'
answered the earl.

'You may possibly, soon have occasion to entertain a very different
opinion.'

'How so?' asked the earl.

'Because the small vessel appears to be a piratical brig, whose
commander, I am well assured, will not pass a rich Indiaman without
politely undertaking to inspect his inventory and overhaul his cargo,'
replied the pirate.

'I am rather inclined to think,' answered the earl, 'that he will first
be favored through the medium of our guns with an opportunity to
cultivate an extensive acquaintance with the sharks and other monsters
of the deep. Now, sir,' he continued, turning to the pirate, 'we will
with your leave, get as quickly as possible on board of our own ship.'

'Oh, certainly,' replied Blackbeard, 'only, as it appears to me quite
probable, that these two young ladies will be exposed to great danger in
getting on board of your noble ship, I shall claim the privilege of
keeping them here under my protection until I learn the result of the
engagement, which I am sure the piratical commander of the brig is about
to venture upon.'