392 ATTACK OF PIRATES. [Cuar. XXI. 
for there was not a man amongst them brave 
enough to use the stones which had been brought 
on deck; and which, perhaps, might have been of 
some little use when the pirates came nearer. The 
fair wind and all the press of sail which we had 
crowded on the junk proved of no use; for our 
pursuers, who had much faster-sailing vessels, 
were gaining rapidly upon us. Again the nearest 
pirate fired upon us. The shot this time fell just 
under our stem. I still remained quiet, as I had 
determined not to fire a single shot until I was 
quite certain my gun would take effect. The 
third broadside, which followed this, came whizzing 
over our heads and through the sails, without, 
however, wounding either the men at the helm or 
myself. 
The pirates now seemed quite sure of their prize 
and came down upon us hooting and yelling like 
demons, at the same time loading their guns, and 
evidently determined not to spare their shot. This 
was a moment of intense interest. The plan which I 
had formed from the first was now about to be put to 
the proof; and if the pirates were not the cowards 
which I believed them to be, nothing could save us 
from falling into their hands. Their fearful yells 
seem to be ringing in my ears even now, after this 
lapse of time, and when I am on the other side of 
the globe. 
The nearest junk was now within thirty yards 
of ours; their guns were now loaded, and I knew 
that the next discharge would completely rake our 
