Page:The crater; or, Vulcan's peak.djvu/319

OR, VULCAN S PEAK. 79 mers; not one in ten of whom would probably ever have reached the land, but for the humanity of their foe. Along side of the Mermaid were three or four canoes; and these were cast adrift at the right moment, without any parley ing. The Indians were quick enough at understanding the meaning of this, and swam to the canoes from all sides, though still anxious to get clear of the vessels. On board the last canoe the governor put all his prisoners, when he deemed himself happily quit of the whole gang. There were three known channels by which the Ranco- cus could be carried quite up to the crater. Mark chose that which came in from the northward, both because it was the nearest, and because he could lay his course in it, without tacking, for most of the way. Acquainted now with his position, Mark had no difficulty in finding the entrance of this channel. Furnishing the Mermaid with a dozen hands, she was sent to the western roads, to inter cept Waally s fleet, should it be coming out with the booty. In about an hour after the Rancocus altered her course, she made the land ; and, just as the sun was setting, she got so close in as to be able to anchor in the northern roads, where there was not only a lee, but good holding- ground. Here the ship passed the night, the governor not liking to venture into the narrow passages in the dark. CHAPTER VI. < Fancy can charm and feeling bless With sweeter hours than fashion knows ; There is no calmer quietness, Than home around the bosom throws." PEHCIVAL, ALTHOUGH the governor deemed it prudent to anchor for the night, he did not neglect the precaution of reconnoi tring. Betts was sent towards the Reef, in a boat well armed and manned, in order to ascertain the state of things in that quarter. His instructions directed him to push for-