“So the captives will not raise a cry when they see you.” Both boys tied handkerchiefs over their faces, and then Frank approached the door. This was bolted and hasped. There was no lock upon it. It did not take Frank long to shoot back the bolt and release the hasp. Then he slowly opened the door, and looked into the small room beyond. An old man was sitting helplessly in the corner, and a young girl, pale and wan, with tangled curls of yellow, lay on a bunk. The old man raised his head, and the girl looked up. Frank recognized them both, and, despite the warning Hodge had given him, came near uttering a shout. Before him were Capt. Justin Bellwood and his daughter, Elsie! Elsie Bellwood was there--Elsie, his old-time friend, who was so dear to him! She was a captive in the power of those ruffians! That thought was enough to make Frank furious and desperate. He suddenly felt that he was able, single-handed, to conquer all the ruffians on that vessel. With his hand he motioned for Capt. Bellwood and Elsie to come forth. They realized that Frank was not one of the ruffians, and Elsie sprang up. “Come out here,” whispered Frank. “We want you to help us capture this vessel.” New life and hope sprang up in the heart of the old sea captain. He responded eagerly. “Here,” whispered Merry, pointing to the sleeping sailors, “watch those fellows, and do not hesitate to crack them over the head if they awaken. Take this stool, Capt. Bellwood, and give it to them if necessary. We are going on deck to tackle Capt. Horn and the other fellow.” The man nodded. He took the stool and stood ready. Then, to Frank’s surprise, Elsie picked up a heavy boot as a weapon and stood over the other man. “Come!” whispered Frank. With Hodge at his heels, he crept swiftly up the companionway. A peep on deck showed him one man at the wheel, while Capt. Horn was near. The vessel was plunging through a sea of rolling billows, the aftermath of the storm. Capt. Horn’s back was turned. “Now is our time!” hissed Frank, as he tore the handkerchief from his face and cast it aside, fearing it might hamper him in some way. Then he leaped on deck, with Bart close behind him, and they rushed at the two men. The man at the wheel saw them, and uttered a cry. Capt. Horn whirled in a moment. With loud shouts the boys rushed forward and Bart grappled with the sailor at the wheel. Horn managed to avoid Frank’s rush, and Merry saw him tugging at his hip pocket. That was enough to indicate that he was trying to draw a weapon. Snatching up a belayingpin, Frank did not hesitate in attacking the ruffian with the black beard, who succeeded in pulling forth the weapon his hand had sought. Before Capt. Horn could use the revolver, Frank leaped forward and struck the weapon from his hand. A second blow, delivered with all the strength and skill the young Yale athlete could command, stretched the ruffianly commander of the _Pirate_ upon the deck.