The Young Buccaneers

(Attacked by Pirates)

***

"The black ship has struck her colors and hoists the scull and crossbones.  A Pirate!  Look out below!  Bring her up two points off the wind, Mr. Bowers.  We will try and run from her," the Captain ordered.

Toby could not see the Captain from his hiding place under the steps but he could hear his bellowing just above on the bridge deck.  Toby was disappointed with the cowardly decision to run.  Surely, the Captain of such a great merchant ship should not turn and run like a frightened dog, he thought.  After all, the black ship was not a, Man–O–War ship of the Admiralty.  It was a smaller ship than Gauntlet, and it was alone.

Gauntlet was still out of range for her four small cannon when a cloud of smoke erupted from one of the pirate's guns again.  Seconds later, the cannon ball fell close by, and a high gush of water splashed over Gauntlet's side.  The Pirate had the range.

"The black ship gains on us, Captain.  That was a warning shot offering us quarter.  We both have served as officers on the line in His Majesties ships, Sir.  If any of those mutinous rogues served under us, you can be sure that they will not give you nor I any quarter," the Mate yelled over the commotion.

"We must take down her main mast, Mr. Bowers.  Load with chain shot.  For now, I will maneuver to keep that ship from delivering a broadside on us, but I will not be able to hold that position long.  She closes with us now.  When we are in range, I will turn to cross directly over her bow.  Fire when your guns bear.  If we dismast her, we can out run her."

As Mr. Bowers bullied the deck crew into loading the cannon, one sailor rose up and pointed toward the pirate ship.  "She has raised the red pennant Mr. Bowers.  There will be no quarter if she engages.  We cannot out gun that ship, Sir."

"Get back to your station you cowardly pig.  Get back!"  The Mate yelled and kicked the sailor severely, then raised his cat-o-nine-tails whip and gave him several strong lashes. 

The cat-o-nine tales whip was a foot long club with nine long leather thongs lashed to the end.  Each thong had a piece of lead shot crimped on it.  This dreaded whip was common aboard all merchant and naval ships of the time.  The mates used the whips to enforce their orders, and impose punishment for even minor infractions of ships discipline.  In some instances, that punishment was so severe that it caused death.

Another sailor broke and ran toward the bridge deck.  He fell to his knees and pleaded mercy from the Captain, who was glaring down at him.

He did not get a chance to complete his plea.  The smashing blow to his skull from the Mates brass handled saber butt, put an end to the sailor's complaint.

"Get back to you gun!" the Mate shouted.

The fallen man dropped only feet away from Toby.  who watched the sailor's hand quiver then stiffen.  The Mate's orders fell on dead ears.

There was no time left.  The Captain spun the huge ship's wheel hard over.  Gauntlet yawed and then started its turn into a path that would take it directly across the pirate's bow.

Mate Bowers ordered his four small cannon to fire.  The four guns fired in sequence as the Pirate ship's mast passed over the sights.  Thunderous blasts exploded as the heavy guns spat out their fiery shot.  Black smoke from the firing, engulfed the entire gun deck.

Before it cleared, Gauntlet's crew was standing at the gunnels, shouting their victory.  They watched the topmast and spars splinter and tumble to the deck of the black pirate ship.  A tangle of sail and top rigging fell with it.

The Captain and crew's joy was only half lived, as they watched in horror.  The Pirate turned and brought her broadside to Gauntlet.  Seconds later, the whole side of the pirate ship exploded in a flash of smoke and fire as her cannons fired.

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