The first thing to be done was to attend to the wounded, who were carried to their berths, where Mr Ferris offered to assist in binding up their hurts and watching them; the next was to heave the dead overboard. This sad office was quickly performed, as there was no time for even the pretence of a service; the dead would not be the worse for going without it, and the attention of the living was too much occupied to listen to a word spoken. Before committing the bodies of the pirates to the deep, however, they were examined by the light of a lantern, to be sure that no spark of life existed in them, and to ascertain to what country they belonged. Two were men of colour, and the others white men, rough, savage-looking fellows; but it was difficult to decide as to their nationality. "It matters little what they were," said the second mate, who was attending to that duty; "they were pirates, and have escaped the rope they deserved--of that there's no doubt. Heave them overboard." Not a moment was to be lost in repairing damages. All hands now set to work to fish the masts and spars, and repair and splice the standing and running rigging. Scarcely had they commenced than day broke, and as the light increased the _Champion_ could be seen in chase of their late opponent, who was running under all sail to the north-west. "That fellow is well acquainted with these seas, or he wouldn't be steering as he now is. Reefs and rocks abound in that direction, but he knows his way among them, and intends, if he can, to lead his pursuer into a scrape," observed Owen. "Our master is too wide awake to be so caught," answered Gerald, "and the chances are that the pirate escapes. She must be a fast craft; for see, she continues well ahead of our ship, if she isn't gaining on her." A look-out was now kept for the two islands which are found on either side of the Windward Passage--that known as Long Island being to the west, Crooked Island to the east, both thickly surrounded with rocks and reefs, so that it is necessary to avoid hugging the shores of either one or the other. Crooked Island was first sighted, on the larboard hand. It being some time, however, before the _Ouzel Galley_ could again make sail, the greater part of the fleet passed by her, though no one offered to send assistance. The _Champion_ could still be seen, hull down, but the chase was lost sight of. Norman Foley and Gerald were frequently watching their ship through the glass. "The fellow has escaped, after all," cried the former, as he handed the telescope to Gerald; "our ship has kept away, and is steering for the passage." "Can the commander suppose that we were killed, that he doesn't come back to inquire for us?" observe Gerald. "I conclude that such must be the case," said the lieutenant.