We had to remain at anchor for some time, as, the tide and wind being
contrary, we could not proceed down the river. The information we
received made it very necessary for us to be on our guard; for although
we had driven back the pirates once, they would very probably again
attack us with increased numbers. We proposed to the stranger captain
the plan which had been suggested, and he agreed at once that it was a
good one. Much to the surprise of our prisoners, who had expected to be
run up at the yard-arm, or to be sent overboard with shot round their
feet, we promised them their liberty--provided they would do as we
directed them. They, of course, gladly consented, "We have done well,"
observed the stranger captain, when he saw the prisoners rowing away;
"not that we can depend much upon those fellows. They may or may not
persuade their companions that your vessel is not worth attacking.
However, the sooner you sail away from this the better. I am also bound
for England, and will bear you company. My vessel lies not far from
you; and knowing what was likely to happen, I was on the watch, so that
the instant I heard the sounds of strife, I was able to come to your
assistance."
Captain Davis thanked the stranger warmly. "But, friend," he said, "I
have not yet learned your name. I should like to know what to call you
when we meet again."
"Oh! that is of little consequence," answered the stranger. "To confess
the honest truth, I have had more than one name. Call me Rover. I have
wandered not a little about the world, and it is a name you will not
easily forget."
"But that is not your real name, surely?" observed A'Dale.
"Young master, when you have lived longer in the world, you will know
that you should not ask such a question. A man, in my opinion, may have
a dozen names, and slip them off and on in these troublous times as
often as he lists. I beg you will remember me as Captain Rover, of the
_Falcon_. We shall see more of each other ere long, probably. I hope
that you will not lose sight of the _Falcon_, nor I of the _Diamond_,
till we are safe in the Thames."
Saying this, Captain Rover ordered his men into their boats, and pulled
away down the stream. His advice was too important to be despised. We
continued to keep a bright look-out, knowing that at any moment we might
be attacked. We only hoped that his departure might not have been
discovered by our enemies. We soon lost sight of him, although we could
hear the oars of the boat some time afterwards, as they dipped at
intervals into the water, every moment growing fainter and fainter.
I had begun to feel considerable pain from my wound, though the darkness
prevented my friends from observing what had happened. It was not till
I went down into the cabin with Captain Davis and A'Dale that they
perceived that I was hurt. The blood had stained my coat. I felt very
faint from the loss of blood, and should have sunk on the deck of the
cabin had not A'Dale caught me.
"My dear Ernst," he exclaimed, "you are badly hurt! why did you not let
us know before?" I heard him say, though I was then unable to make a
reply.
He and the captain lifted me into my berth. They then took off my
clothes, and the latter examined my wound, so I was afterwards told. He
had seen so many sword-cut wounds that he knew exactly what to do; and
he immediately, with lint and bandage, bound up my arm, and stopped the
flow of blood. In a short time I returned to consciousness, when I
found A'Dale sitting by me. At first I could not recollect where I was,
or what had happened. My first question, however, on coming to my
senses, was whether anything more had been seen of the pirates.
"No," answered A'Dale; "but two or three boats have passed near us in
the dark, and the captain is afraid that they are still on the watch for
us. He proposes, therefore, directly the tide serves, to get under
weigh, and to drop farther down the river. Perhaps we shall fall in
with our friend Captain Rover, but if not, we must take care of
ourselves, and our fellows have shown that they are both willing and
able to fight."
Soon after he had said this, we heard the sound of heaving up the
anchor, and other familiar noises showed us that the vessel was already
moving. A'Dale told me that he had left all the men on deck, with their
hangers buckled by their sides, and their pikes ready to their hands, to
repel any sudden assault.
"I scarcely like to remain so long down here with you;" he added, "lest
they should think I am skulking."