At the time the _Ruby_ reached Port Royal harbour the merchants at
Kingston were constantly receiving accounts of depredations committed on
their vessels by a piratical squadron under the command of a Frenchman.
They could obtain no exact information as to the size or number of the
pirate ships; they were generally supposed to be small craft. They
allowed none of those they captured to escape, and either sent the
merchantmen to the bottom, and made their crews walk the plank, or
carried them off to the then little-known islands of the Bahama group.
On the merchants making application to Captain Benbow, he willingly
undertook to go in search of the pirate fleet, and forthwith got his
ship ready for sea. He also purchased a couple of large boats, partly
decked over and suited for those seas, fitted with sails and long oars,
so that they could move rapidly both in a calm and in a breeze. He
would willingly also have obtained a tender, but he could find no vessel
suited for the purpose in the harbour. All preparations being made, the
_Ruby_ sailed at daylight with a land breeze, and soon had run the white
forts and batteries surrounding Kingston out of sight, though the Blue
Mountains, rising high above them, were visible long afterwards.
"I am thankful that we are clear out of the place," observed Roger to
his friend Simon Bates, with whom he seemed to have a great deal to talk
about when no one else was near. "I was never quite at my ease, fearing
that some of the inquisitive authorities might have come on board."
"I have been so wonderfully preserved that I entertained no fears on the
subject," answered Bates. "My great wish now is to fall in with these
pirates and to take an active part in their capture."
"We will keep a bright look-out for them at all events," said Roger;
"and if we can lay any of them aboard, I am sure you will do your part,
and the Captain has every wish to give you an opportunity of
distinguishing yourself."
The _Ruby_ had, however, been a week at sea without the pirates being
seen. Roger and Bates were always on the look-out. They were afraid
that they might have got an inkling of the _Ruby's_ whereabouts, and
were keeping out of her way. She at last stood round the northern side
of Jamaica, and the next day fell in with an English merchantman, the
master of which reported that he had been chased by several strange
sail; but, his vessel being a fast one, by setting all the canvas he
could carry, he had made his escape. He reported that they were far
from small craft; two or three were good-sized frigates, and the rest
were of a considerable burden.
"So much the better," said Captain Benbow. "It will induce them to
attack us; we must do our best to send them to the bottom one after the
other."
The merchantman having proceeded on her course to the west, the _Ruby_
continued standing on to the westward. It was Roger's morning watch;
the wind had been light during the latter part of the night. Soon after
dawn broke the look-out shouted, "Two sail on the starboard bow." Roger
ran aloft to have a look at them. They were frigates, as far as he
could judge at the distance they were off, and he hoped might prove to
be part of the pirate squadron. Watching the strangers narrowly, he
observed a third vessel,--then a fourth, some way farther off. This
left him little doubt that they formed part of the piratical squadron of
which the _Ruby_ was in search. Having satisfied himself on this point,
he came below and went to inform the Captain, who was quickly on deck.
"I am in great hopes that you are right, Willoughby," he said, after he
had taken a survey of the strangers. "We will make the _Ruby_ look as
much like a merchantman as possible, and perhaps draw them down upon
us."
This was easily done in a light wind; the vessel's course was changed to
the northward, the yards were irregularly braced. The strangers,
whether they suspected the ruse or not, stood on, expecting, if they
were pirates, probably to gain an easy victory over the lumbering
merchantman. Captain Benbow now ordered his ship to be got ready for
action; and, collecting his crew aft, told them that they were likely to
have a pretty sharp encounter, and that much depended on the way they
worked their guns and trimmed sails, as he might direct them. Three
large vessels were seen approaching, while two more appeared in the
distance; they were evidently not aware of the character of the _Ruby_,
or they would have come on in very different fashion. It appeared as if
the object of each of them was to be the first to get up to pillage her
before the arrival of her consorts. When, however, the leading frigate
got almost within range, it seemed to strike her captain that the _Ruby_
was not altogether like a heavy merchantman. Instead of coming on, she
suddenly hauled her tacks aboard and stood back towards her consorts.
The _Ruby_ on this made all sail in chase; the frigate, however, was a
fast craft and kept well ahead. As they saw the _Ruby_ coming, the
strangers in succession hauled to the wind and steered to the westward,
the frigate which had been leading making signals to the rest, till all
five were collected together. At first they appeared as if they
intended to try and make their escape, and Roger had begun to fear that
they would get off altogether.
"Hurrah!" he cried out at length to Bates, "they intend to come up to
the scratch after all;" and he pointed to the strangers, which had now
formed in two divisions, the two larger frigates in one, the third and
two smaller vessels in another. As they carried together more than
twice as many guns as the _Ruby_, they might have had a fair hope of
gaining the victory. Captain Benbow, on seeing this, steered for the
two frigates. As soon as he came within range of the leading one, he
opened the whole of his starboard broadside on her; then, standing on,
regardless of her shot, which came whizzing on board, he gave the second
frigate a similar dose. Meantime the three vessels of the second
division, standing towards the _Ruby_, commenced firing at her. The
fight now became fast and furious; the pirates, for such there could be
no doubt they were, though they had showed no flags, keeping on the
_Ruby's_ quarters, poured in a galling fire on her. Several of her men
were killed, and others wounded; but her crew, labouring actively at her
guns, ran them in and out, loading and firing with wonderful rapidity,
effecting no small damage on their assailants. At length the pirates
gave signs of having had the worst of it; the two smaller vessels once
more hauled their tacks on board and stood away to the westward, and one
of the frigates soon followed their example.
"Now, lads, we must capture one or two of the remainder," cried Benbow;
and steering for the leading vessel, he poured a well-directed broadside
into her. The second frigate, trying to support her consort, was
severely punished, her deck being strewn with the dead and wounded. She
now set all sail, and stood out of the fight, leaving her consort to her
fate. Still the pirate fought desperately, frequently firing high, in
the hopes of knocking away some of the _Ruby's_ spars and reducing her
to her own condition; but no great damage was done, and the _Ruby_, now
sailing round and round the frigate, reduced her to a complete wreck.
At length a man was seen to spring aft with a white flag, which he waved
above his head, and then threw down on the deck as a token of surrender.
The _Ruby_ standing close to her, Captain Benbow ordered her to
heave-to, and then, doing the same, lowered three boats with armed
crews, sending Roger in command of one, Kemp of another, and Bates of a
third.
"Remember that these pirates are treacherous fellows," he observed.
"Secure them as quickly as possible, and look to the magazines."
The decks, as the British seamen clambered up the side, presented a
fearful spectacle, covered as they were with dead and wounded, many
dying without any attempt having been made to render them assistance.
The rigging hung in festoons, the canvas shot through and through, yards
and blocks scattered about the deck.
"Where is your captain?" asked Roger.
"We have no captain; he was killed early in the action," answered one of
the men.
"And your officers?"
"They are all killed. We fought as long as one remained alive."
As several bodies looked like those of officers, Roger thought that this
was probably the case. He and his companions, however, had first to
obey the Captain's orders and to secure the crew. They sulkily
submitted to have their arms lashed behind them, and were ordered, as
soon as this operation was performed, to stand on one side of the deck
under charge of four of the seamen with loaded muskets, while Roger and
Kemp took one party of their men forward to search for any of the crew
who might have concealed themselves. Bates conducted another down below
in the afterpart of the ship. He had just reached the Captain's cabin
when he detected a smell of brimstone. He rushed towards the spot from
whence it proceeded, and discovered a slow match leading towards the
principal magazine. Some of his men showed an inclination to rush up on
deck.
"Come back, cowards!" he exclaimed. "We must put this out;" and,
dashing forward, he cut the match for some way before the part which was
burning, upon which setting his foot, he quickly stamped it out, crying
to his men at the same time to cut the other end. It evidently had been
a long time burning, and was probably ignited by one of the officers
since killed. Ordering some buckets of water to be brought below, he
searched round in the neighbourhood of the other magazine. An attempt
had evidently been made to fire this one also, but the match had
providentially gone out. The victors and vanquished would otherwise
probably have been blown up together. Several pirates were discovered
concealed in the after part of the ship. Roger did his best to
ascertain if any of them were officers, but without success. As the
pirate's boats were knocked to pieces, Captain Benbow made a signal that
one of the _Ruby's_ should remain on board, while the other returned
with as many prisoners as they could carry. As he was eager to go in
chase of the piratical squadron, Kemp was directed also to return,
leaving Roger in command of the prize, with Bates as his lieutenant.
They forthwith loaded the two boats with the prisoners, but still a
considerable number remained.
"We can keep these fellows under, I should hope," said Roger to his
messmate; "but it will be necessary to have a watchful eye on them. If
they can work us any mischief they are sure to do it."
As soon as the two boats got alongside the _Ruby_, she made sail in the
direction that the pirates had taken, while Roger set to work to repair
some of the damage the prize had received, so that she might be in a fit
state to encounter a strong breeze, should one spring up. He had been
directed, having done this, to steer a certain course for Port Royal,
Captain Benbow intending to follow and accompany her in with another
prize or two. Roger collected all the remaining pirates in the hold,
with their arms and legs lashed, three sentries with loaded muskets
being placed over them. These were all he could spare, as the rest of
his crew were required to get the ship into order. He and Bates exerted
themselves to the utmost. Bates was now assisting in knotting and
splicing, now hurrying below to see that the sentries were vigilant. He
had looked to the priming of the pistols which he carried in his belt,
and kept his sword by his side. He had from the first expressed his
regret that so many prisoners had been left on board.
"I know the tricks of these fellows," he remarked. "They are capable of
freeing themselves from fetters, and they make nothing of slipping out
of rope lashings, however apparently secure."
"Well, let us get the yards across, and fresh sails bent, and the
rigging set up, and we shall have more hands at liberty to watch them,"
said Roger.
Working away, they took a frequent look at the _Ruby_, till she had run
them out of sight. Short-handed as they were, much remained to be done.
When the sun set, and darkness covered the ocean, the sea remained
calm, so that the prize floated motionless. No sail had yet been set,
as the crew, of course, after their exertions, required rest. Roger
therefore divided the men into two watches, he taking charge of one and
Bates of the other. Bates begged to take the first watch of serving,
that Roger and his men might then, after rest, be more wide-awake to
watch the pirates.
The prize had drifted considerably nearer the Cuba coast than when she
had been captured. Bates, who was vigilant on every point, kept
continually going below, while he turned his eye frequently towards the
distant land. The watch was nearly out when, as he listened, he fancied
he heard the sound of oars in the water. He well knew the sort of
characters who inhabited the quays scattered about on that part of the
coast of Cuba, and that if they had discovered the condition of the
vessel they might have seen before sunset, they would be very likely to
come out and try to capture her. He at once, therefore, sent down to
call Roger, who was on deck in a moment.
"We must be prepared, at all events," said Roger; and, the other watch
being called, such of the pirate's guns as remained undamaged were
loaded and run out. The necessary preparations for the defence were
quickly made. In a short time the sound of approaching boats became
more clearly audible. Roger was of opinion that there were three of
them, each pulling a good number of oars.
"We must not stand on any ceremony," observed Roger. "They are certain
not to be coming with any good intentions, and the sooner we send them
to the right-about the better. We will therefore fire at them as soon
as we can see them clearly enough to take a steady aim." He gave the
orders to his crew. Bates meantime had gone below to have a look at the
prisoners; he found them considerably excited; they had overheard the
remarks of the seamen, and knew that boats were approaching. They were
probably too well aware of the character their crews. Bates had turned
his lantern round on all the prisoners, and they appeared to be fast
bound as before. He charged the sentries, however, to be very vigilant,
suggesting to them that their lives would be the first to be sacrificed
should the prisoners break loose. He then returned on deck, just in
time to assist in firing the guns, as the strange boats came in sight.
The guns must have been well aimed, for they could hear two of the shots
strike, shrieks and cries rising from the boats, telling that several
had been wounded. The third, however, came on, when Bates, who had
carefully trained his gun, fired; almost the instant afterwards she had
disappeared; the shot had gone through her. Crowded with men she must
have sunk immediately. Whether any were saved it was impossible to say.
"They brought their fate upon themselves," observed Roger. "We have to
thank you, Bates, for discovering their approach, and for settling them
afterwards."
The other two boats had disappeared in the darkness, evidently finding
that they had caught a Tartar, making their way as fast as they could to
the shore. The British raised a hearty cheer; before the joyous ring
had died away, shouts and cries rose from the hold, from whence a couple
of shots were heard.
"Follow me, lads!" cried Bates, and he sprang below, taking care to
carry a lantern which he had left in readiness. Nearly all the pirates
had by some unaccountable means broken loose. He fired his pistols at
two who appeared to be the most active, then drawing his sword rushed
among the crowd. One of the sentries had been killed, but the others
were defending themselves, after firing, with the butt-ends of their
muskets.
"Down, all of you, or not one of you shall be allowed to live," Bates
shouted, in a voice which awed the pirates; for almost immediately they
ceased struggling, and those who were trying to release their companions
gave up the attempt. Several had been unable to free themselves. Had
they succeeded in getting on deck, while the crew were engaged with the
boats, a number of the British seamen might have been killed, even if
the pirates had not ultimately gained their object.
"You have saved us a second time this night, Bates," said Roger. "I
must take care that Captain Benbow knows how you have behaved."
In the struggle it was found that no less than five pirates had been
killed; but still there were enough remaining to make it necessary to be
as vigilant as ever. The moment daylight returned Roger and Bates again
set to work with their crew to repair damages. At length they managed
to make sufficient sail, a light breeze springing up, to send the vessel
through the water at a good rate. As they were so far to the westward,
they had been directed, should the wind be suitable, to go round the
east end of Jamaica. They therefore hoped with a favourable breeze to
get into Port Royal in five or six days. It was an anxious time,
however, for both of the young officers. The prize had been sorely
battered, and as she heeled over the water rushed in through numerous
shot-holes which had only been imperfectly plugged. They did their best
to remedy this, but had to keep the crew at the pumps for the best part
of both watches. Roger proposed making the prisoners work at the pumps,
but Bates thought the risk too great for the advantage they would have
gained. Desperate fellows as they were, the pirates might suddenly
rise, and with handspikes, or any weapons they could get hold of, attack
them.
"We must keep all weapons out of their way, and tell them that we will
shoot them through the head without scruple should they make any attempt
of the sort," answered Roger.
The crew, to whom the idea of making the prisoners work had occurred, at
the same time asked why half a dozen should not be brought on deck and
set to at the pumps? Bates, against his better judgment, consented.
Six were accordingly brought up in order to turn to. They sulkily
obeyed, but the boatswain's mate, who acted as boatswain, stood by with
the cat in hand ready to keep them at their work, while the same number
of men remained on guard, armed with pistols and muskets, ready to shoot
any who should show the slightest sign of mutiny. This kept the first
gang in good order. Then, having laboured till they could labour no
longer, they were exchanged for another party. By this means the crew
were greatly relieved, and leisure was given to them to stop the leaks.
At night all were confined below. At length Morant Point, at the east
end of Jamaica, was sighted, and, the breeze being favourable, the prize
ran along the southern side of the island till she came off the
palisades that formed the southern side of Kingston harbour. They had
to wait till the sea-breeze set in, then with flying sheets ran through
the entrance and brought up off Port Royal. When it was known that the
prize was a pirate captured by Captain Benbow, numbers came off to see
her, and congratulated Roger and Bates on their success. Roger took
care that it should be known what essential service his messmate had
rendered in preserving the vessel, declaring that he believed without
him they would have been retaken. Among the visitors on board were
several merchants and planters, who expressed their thanks to Mr Bates.
"The capture of this vessel will make some amends for the loss of a
shipload of slaves, fellows sent out in consequence of having joined
Monmouth's rebellion," said one of them. "I had a list forwarded to me.
I expected to get a good deal of work out of the fellows before Yellow
Jack carried them off."
"I should like to see it," said Mr Bates. "Perhaps she is the vessel,
the wreck of which we fell in with, nearly all her crew and passengers
having died."
The merchants promised to bring it off, and in the list Mr Bates read
the name of Stephen Battiscombe. He returned it, remarking, "I have
little doubt that your slaves have all long since gained their liberty
by the only means they expected--death. We will do our best to capture
the remainder of the pirates to make amends to you for your loss."
Roger was glad to get rid of his prisoners, who were handed over to the
authorities; he also obtained hands from Port Royal to refit the prize
with all despatch, knowing that Captain Benbow would certainly employ
her as the tender to the _Ruby_, to assist him in his search for the
piratical squadron, should he have failed to catch them. Several days
passed, and, the _Ruby_ not appearing, Roger began to fear that some
accident might have happened to her. At length, to his great
satisfaction, the canvas of a large ship was seen over the palisades,
and the _Ruby_ made her signal. The sea-breeze soon afterwards setting
in, she entered the harbour, and brought up near the prize. Roger
immediately went on board. Captain Benbow had waited, he said, in vain
for the pirates; they had run in among the Bahama Islands, and hid
themselves away, while it was impossible to follow them without
experienced pilots, who were not to be found.
"We must wait therefore another opportunity of discovering them," he
observed. "In the meantime we will refit the prize, to the command of
which I intend to appoint you, Willoughby, with Bates as your
lieutenant. I will send Charlie Ross to assist you, with several fresh
hands."
Several weeks passed, for the dockyard people in those days were not
very rapid in their movements.
At length a merchant vessel came in, stating that she had been chased
off Montego Bay, at the north-west end of the island, by several
suspicious-looking craft, but that she had got into that harbour, and
remained there till the pirates had disappeared.
"Then the rascals are once more afloat," said Captain Benbow, when he
heard of this. "We must go in search of them with the aid of your
frigate. I hope we shall capture a few more, if not the whole of them."
No time was lost in getting under way, Captain Benbow's only regret
being that he had not a larger number of small craft to ferret the
pirates out of their holes. He had, however, the two boats, which were
likely to be of use. The prize had been so transmogrified by the
dockyard riggers at Port Royal that even her old friends would not have
known her.
It should have been said that most of the pirates had been hung at Port
Royal, as people in those days thought nothing of stringing up a couple
of dozen of human beings at a time without any very strict examination
as to their guilt. Two had escaped by turning King's evidence, on
condition of their acting as pilots to the squadron in search of their
comrades, should they be required to do so.
Captain Benbow considered that he should be most likely to meet with the
piratical fleet by sailing to the westward. Accordingly, the _Ruby_ and
_Pearl_ stood in that direction, and, having a fair breeze, in a short
time got round the western point, and entered the Channel between
Jamaica and Cuba. They had a long cruise, however, without sighting the
pirates, or falling in with any vessel which had escaped from them. The
Captain began to fear that by some means they had heard of him, and were
keeping out of his way. He determined, should he fall in with them, to
sink all he could come up with, rather than allow the rest to escape.
He had been at sea a month, when not far from the spot where the pirate
fleet had before been, he sighted one evening, soon after dark, bright
flames ascending from the ocean. Captain Benbow immediately made a
signal to Roger to stand on in that direction as fast as sails could
carry him, while the _Ruby_ followed.
"What do you think those flames come from?" asked Roger of Bates.
"From a burning ship, most probably one set on fire by the pirates,"
answered Bates. "They little thought we were so near them. We will
summon the pilot, Jacques Tronson, and learn what he thinks about the
matter. He knows that he is to be shot through the head if he misleads
us. Besides which, I think he has seen the error of his ways, and
wishes to be honest."
Tronson was summoned, and acknowledged that he considered it the work of
his late friends. Probably they were not far off, engaged in stowing
away the cargo of the burning ship.
"Then we will try and get up alongside one of them before the _Ruby_
appears, and they take to flight," said Roger.
Tronson engaged, so far as he could, to enable them to do this. The
_Pearl_ stood on. Unfortunately the flames of the burning ship, falling
on her white canvas, would betray her approach to the pirates, who at
present, however, were not likely to have observed her. Suddenly, as
the _Pearl_ was about a couple of miles away, the flames were seen to
rush upwards, and a loud explosion reached them. She had been blown
into the air, and her burning masts and spars were seen coming down like
rockets from the sky; then all was total darkness. The _Pearl_ passed
close to the spot where she had been. Not long after, the look-out,
Charlie Ross, who was looking out forward, saw a large ship hove-to on
the starboard bow. He hurried aft with the information to Roger.
Tronson was summoned to give his opinion. He declared his belief that
she was one of the pirate squadron.
"Then we will stand on and hail her. If she does not give a
satisfactory answer we will run alongside and compel her to strike. The
sound of our guns will soon lead the _Ruby_ to the spot," said Roger.
Roger, hoping to take the pirate by surprise, determined to board her,
under the expectation that her crew might be either engaged in stowing
the cargo of the captured vessel, or carousing after their victory.
Bates was to lead the boarders over the quarter, while Charlie Ross was
to guard the forecastle to prevent the _Pearl_ being boarded in return.
He considered it his duty to remain on board to direct operations. The
_Pearl_ drew nearer and nearer to the stranger. Upon getting close to
her, Roger asked what ship she was. An unintelligible answer was
returned. Accordingly, firing a double-shotted broadside into the
stranger, he ordered the _Pearl_ to be run alongside. Grappling-irons
were thrown over her bulwarks and into her rigging. At the same moment
Bates, leading nearly half the crew, sprang on board. Roger was not out
in his calculations. The greater number of the officers and men were
below, drinking hard and fast, as Tronson had thought likely. Some
sprang to their arms, but many were cut down before they had time to do
so. Some cried out for quarter, others fired up the hatchway. The
British crew fired down in return. The deck in five minutes was swept
clear of every human being. An attempt was made to blow up the ship,
frustrated, happily, by Bates, and in ten minutes he and his handful of
men had mastered the whole of the pirate crew. He and they shouted,
"Victory! We have got full possession of her."
"Well done, Bates!" cried Roger. "Lash the fellows' arms behind as fast
as you can, and send them aboard." Just as he had said this, three sail
were seen standing towards them. These were evidently more of the
pirates intending to rescue their consort. Roger kept his prize fast,
and ordered Bates, as soon as he had secured his prisoners, to work his
starboard guns, while he commenced firing from his larboard broadside.
There was a great probability of his being overpowered, for they all
appeared to be large craft. When the _Ruby_ hove in sight the _Pearl's_
crew uttered a cheer as they saw her, and she stood on towards their
assailants, who, seeing her size, hauled her tacks aboard, and stood
away to the north-east. Not to be delayed, the pirates were bundled
crop and heel into the boats and conveyed on board the _Ruby_, while
Bates, who was told to take command of the new prize, with the _Pearl_,
stood in the direction they were supposed to have gone, the _Ruby_
steering in the same direction. The pilot was of opinion that they had
gone round Cape Maze, at the eastern end of Cuba, and were making for
one of the Bahamas, among which they had every prospect of escaping.
"But what do you say, Tronson? Can you pilot us off the harbour where
you suppose they have taken refuge?" asked Roger. "You will receive a
handsome reward if you bring us in sight of the pirates; whether we take
them or not must depend on our own exertions; we do not expect you to
enable us to do that, you may be sure."
Tronson did not answer for a minute; at last he said, "Trust me, sir,
that I would not assist you to get sight of them, unless I thought you
would succeed, as, should I fall into their hands I should be treated in
a way I do not like to think about. I know the island well where they
have gone to, and I can take you off the mouth of the harbour; but if
the big ship accompanies us, we shall have to make a longer course than
they have taken, as she cannot cross the Bahama banks. They, however,
will not expect us, and if we can manage to reach the island some time
after nightfall, we may take them by surprise, if you go in with your
boats, and perhaps obtain an easy victory. I will draw you a map of the
channel and the harbour, and give you such full directions that I do not
think you can miss your way."
Roger was fully satisfied that the plan Tronson proposed was the one to
succeed, and was eager for the morning, to lay it before the Commodore.
All night long the ship stood on without sighting any vessels ahead. At
daylight, the wind having dropped, Roger made a signal to the Commodore
that he desired to speak to him, and being ordered in return to come on
board the _Ruby_, he lowered his boat and quickly reached her deck.
Captain Benbow was well pleased with the plan Roger suggested, which
exactly suited his spirit. As soon as they came off the island, the
_Ruby's_ two large boats were to be lowered, with three other smaller
ones, while the _Pearl_ and the new prize should each send another.
Thus they would have seven boats with well-armed crews, the two larger
carrying guns in their bows. As the wind was light, several days were
passed before the little squadron got clear of the passage and was able
to steer in the direction of the island to which Tronson had agreed to
carry them. As so large a number of the crews would be away in the
boats, the prisoners were doubly secured, and reminded that they would
be instantly shot should they show the slightest sign of
insubordination. The weather was fine and sea smooth, though there was
sufficient breeze to carry the ships through the water at the rate of
five or six knots an hour. Navigation now became very intricate, but
Tronson behaved with apparent fidelity, and skilfully piloted them amid
the shoals and reefs; without him it was evident that they would have
been unable to proceed. Just before darkness came on, he pointed out to
Roger an island, or a collection of islands, with a few slight
elevations rising blue and indistinct out of the calm water.
"That is the place to which the pirates have gone; if you manage as I
advise you, you may trap the whole of them before to-morrow is many
hours old."
As the ships could not as yet be seen from the shore, and darkness was
fast approaching, the Commodore stood on till, by Tronson's advice, they
brought up about a mile from the entrance of the harbour. As all lights
were kept concealed, it was hoped that the pirates would not discover
them. The crews who had been told off manned the boats, and were eager
for the undertaking. Much to their satisfaction, the Commodore had
selected only tarpaulins to command them, Kemp having one of the large
boats, Roger the other, while Bates had charge of the one belonging to
his prize, also of good size; the master, boatswain, and Charlie Ross
commanded the other three. Roger and Bates were to lead, the _Ruby's_
three smaller boats to follow, and Kemp bring up the rear to assist
where most required. An hour before dawn they shoved off. Roger,
supposing Tronson had given him correct information, so thoroughly
acquainted himself with the passage in the inner lagoon where the pirate
vessels were said to lie at anchor, that he expected to have no
difficulty in finding his way. The passage was soon gained, and with
muffled oars the boats pulled on for a considerable distance; the cliffs
formed the side of the channel, and had an enemy been aware of their
coming, they would have found it trying work to get through. Not a
sound, however, was heard, except when here and there birds rose from
among the branches, roused by the appearance of the boats; in other
places the shores were covered thickly with trees, the channel now
turning in one direction, now in another. At length Roger saw before
him a wide lagoon, on the shores of which appeared a few buildings. His
attention was occupied chiefly by seeing four vessels anchored almost in
the centre; one of them a frigate, the other three of smaller size, but
still somewhat formidable craft. Roger determined to attack the
frigate, Bates having before agreed to board the same vessel, while the
other boats he knew would attack the remainder of the pirate's squadron.
That they were the vessels they were in search of there could be no
doubt. The pirates, following their usual custom in harbour, had either
been carousing on board, or had gone on shore, and, trusting to their
secure position, were not even keeping an anchor watch. The British
boats were up to them and alongside before the alarm was given; Roger
boarded on one quarter, Bates on the bow; but, as they climbed up the
side, the pirates came swarming from below. The officers turned out of
their cabins, shouting to their men to drive back their assailants.
Some ran to the guns, others got hold of their hangers and small-arms.
Roger found a strong party collecting to oppose him. Twice he had
gained the bulwarks, when he and his men were driven back; the third
time, he had gained the bulwarks, and was about to leap down on deck,
when a thrust of a pike sent him back wounded into his boat. His men,
however, fought their way up the side, and succeeded in gaining a
footing, driving back the pirates, who were attempting to defend the
after part of the ship. Bates in the meantime had been more successful;
he and the whole of his men having got on board, and furiously attacking
the pirates had driven them off the forecastle, when with flashing
hangers they beat them back aft foot by foot till they were joined by
Roger's crew. For some time Bates did not discover Roger's absence; at
length he became anxious when he failed to hear his friend's well-known
voice. He had no opportunity of asking questions; and shouting to the
men of both the boats to keep together, he attacked the pirates, who had
rallied on the starboard quarter under their officers, and threatened to
make a desperate attack to try and drive back their assailants. Bates,
however, shouted to his men to follow, and dashed forward and attacked
the officer whom he had discovered to be the leader of the party. Bates
was an unusually good swordsman; in a moment the pirate's sword was
whirled out of his hand, the second blow stretching him on the deck.
Their leader's fall somewhat disconcerted the rest; but they were
desperate fellows, and again and again made attempts to break through
the British; but several fell, and they had not advanced an inch. In
the meantime the great guns from the other vessels were thundering away,
and the pistol-shots and the clashing of hangers were heard amidst the
cries and shrieks of the combatants. The issue of the contest seemed
doubtful even to Bates; for he saw some of the pirates slipping down the
after hatchway, and he knew too well that their intention was either to
blow up the ship, or to get forward and attack him in the rear. Still,
shouting to his men, he made a desperate effort to drive those before
him overboard. Just at this juncture he heard a hearty British cheer,
and old Kemp's voice shouting: "Come on, come on, my lads; we'll settle
the scoundrels in quarter less than no time."
The pirates, seeing this addition to their opponents, began to give way;
some cried for quarter, others, panic-stricken, leaped over the sides;
several tried to escape below, a few only fighting to the last; but Kemp
coming up, they were quickly overpowered, most of them being killed,
except those who had asked for quarter.
"Look below!" cried Bates. "They may mean mischief." Kemp, taking the
hint, followed those who had disappeared down the hatchway, while Bates
and his men secured the prisoners. In a short time old Kemp returned.
"Was not a moment too soon to stop these fellows blowing up the ship,"
he exclaimed. "But the rascals, though they had the mind, wanted the
heart to fire the train."
"And where is your captain?" asked Bates of one of the prisoners.
"There he lies," answered the man, pointing to the gaily-dressed person
whom Bates had cut down. It was often very difficult to distinguish the
officers from the men by their dress; and as far as Bates and Kemp could
ascertain, the whole of the former had been killed, they having fought
to the last, well knowing, should they be captured, a rope's-end and the
yard-arm would be their doom. The moment the last of the prisoners had
been secured, Bates anxiously inquired for Roger Willoughby, his mind
misgiving him lest he should have been killed. Some of his men answered
that the last they had seen of him was falling back into the boat.
Bates on this sprang down the side.
"Thank Heaven you won!--hurrah, hurrah!" exclaimed a voice; it was that
of Roger, who lay at the bottom, unable to move owing to his wound.
"I am thankful, my dear fellow, that you are alive; we must have you up
on deck and look to your hurts," said Bates.
"Let them be looked to here," said Roger. "I do not think they are very
bad. Lend me a hand-kerchief to bind up this scratch in my side, and
send a hand down here to place me in a more comfortable position than I
am in at present."
Bates, having attended to his friend, had to return on board, while he
sent a couple of men, who had been accustomed to look after the sick,
down to assist him. In the meantime the three other vessels had been
captured in succession by the boats of the squadron, Kemp having
assisted with his crew in overpowering them. The next question was the
possibility of carrying them out, as a proof to the merchants of Jamaica
that the pirate horde had been destroyed. The chief difficulty was to
effectually secure the prisoners. Old Kemp suggested that the shortest
way would be to hang them up at once, or shoot them, but to this Bates
would not agree.
"No, no; they are human beings, and it is our duty to give them time for
repentance," he answered. "We must carry them to Jamaica, and leave
them to be dealt with according to law."
They were therefore all brought on board the frigate and secured in the
hold, with a strong guard placed over them.
"Now," observed Kemp, "at all events we will burn down their storehouses
on shore, so that not a trace may be left of the pirates' stronghold."
Three of the boats, under the command of Charlie Ross, were accordingly
sent to effect this; and in a few minutes flames were seen bursting up
from various points along the shore, the buildings, owing to the
combustible materials which they contained, burning furiously: not one
remained standing. When Ross returned, he acknowledged that he had
fallen in with a number of women and children, but as he had not the
heart to injure them,--he had received no orders to do so,--he had
allowed them to escape up the country. Roger had by this time recovered
sufficiently to be lifted on board, and desired to be carried forward to
assist in piloting out the vessels. Sail was immediately made on all
the ships, the frigate leading, with the boats keeping ahead in
readiness to tow her round should there come a squall of wind. They
stood out towards the entrance of the harbour, intricate as was the
passage; and though it seemed on two or three occasions that the frigate
must drive on shore, yet she escaped clear, and the whole squadron got
through in safety and stood towards the _Ruby_ and her consorts. She
and they were seen preparing for action, Captain Benbow evidently
fearing that his boats had been overpowered, and that the pirates were
coming out to attack him. The British flag run up at the peak soon
pleasantly undeceived him, and the hearty cheers which rose from the
decks of the prizes, replied to from the scanty crews of the _Ruby_ and
_Pearl_, showed him that his gallant fellows had gained the victory.
Old Kemp at once returned to the _Ruby_ to receive the Captain's orders,
and signal was soon afterwards made for Bates to come on board. Captain
Benbow, shaking him by the hand in the presence of all the officers and
crew, complimented him highly on the gallant way in which he had
captured the pirate frigate, and assured him that it would be a great
satisfaction to recommend him for immediate promotion. Roger had in the
meantime been conveyed on board, to be attended to by the surgeon, with
several other men who had been wounded, though, strange to say,
desperately as the pirates had fought, not one of the British crew had
been killed. Bates took charge of the _Pearl_, and old Kemp of the
largest of the prizes, while other officers were appointed to the
remainder, Charlie Ross among them. The whole squadron, piloted by
Tronson, who had gained high credit for his faithfulness, made sail for
Jamaica. Each carried the British ensign, and a certain number of
prisoners on board. They arrived in safety, and were greeted by salvos
of artillery from the forts, flags flying from all the redoubts on
shore, and ships in the harbour. The merchants declared that a most
important action had been performed, as at one blow the most powerful
collection of pirates in those seas had been annihilated. The officers
were received on shore and treated with festivities of all sorts. Next
to the Commodore, Captain Simon Bates--as he was now called, being
commander of a frigate--received the most honour. Being often on shore,
he made inquiries about the unfortunate ship sent out some years before
on account of Monmouth's rebellion, and he could hear of very few
survivors. Several had succumbed to the climate, and others had been
sent to the different estates in the interior, of whom he could gain no
further tidings. He was the means, however, of rescuing his old
acquaintance, Simon Stubbs, and helping two or three others. Simon's
owner was very unwilling to part with him, and Bates had to pay a large
amount to obtain his liberty. Although the exploit which has been
described was among the most important performed at that period, Captain
Benbow and his subordinates employed themselves in putting down piracy
for the remainder of their stay in the West Indies.
At length, to the infinite satisfaction of the British crews, the order
was received to return home.