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"My brave lads, I cannot leave a woman to perish in that burning ship. I am going on board to rescue her. You will, in the meantime, keep at some distance off; and when I appear on deck, return for me. Should you not see me again," (he paused for a moment), "you will return to the privateer, and tell Captain Dale I have striven to do my duty. That will do. Stand off, and wait for me."

He caught a rope that hung over the vessel's side, and sprang on the burning deck, "whence all but him had fled." There was a moment's profound pause of surprise and admiration in the boat, as the crew of the privateer beheld the tall, slight form of their gallant young leader disappear amid the thick smoke. The crew of the Englishman bent their heads in shame; the scathing, scornful glance in the eagle eye of the young American had brought before them, more forcibly than any words could have done, his lofty contempt for their dastardly conduct.

Meanwhile, through the dense smoke, Fred made his way. A sudden breeze blew the flames aside; and to his inexpressible joy he saw that the flames had not yet reached the cabin. He dashed down the stairs, taking three or four steps at a time, and paused for a moment to glance around.