This was true. Cain was breasting the water manfully, making for a small cove nearer to where the boat was sunk than the one in which Francisco had landed with Clara and the wounded men, and divided from the other by a ridge of rocks which separated the sandy beach, and extended some way into the water before they were submerged. Francisco could easily distinguish the pirate captain from the other men, who also were swimming for the beach; for Cain was far ahead of them, and as he gained nearer to the shore he was shut from Francisco's sight by the ridge of rocks. Francisco, anxious for his safety, climbed up the rocks and was watching. Cain was within a few yards of the beach when there was a report of a musket; the pirate captain was seen to raise his body convulsively half out of the water--he floundered--the clear blue wave was discoloured--he sank, and was seen no more. Francisco darted forward from the rocks, and perceived Hawkhurst standing beneath them with the musket in his hand, which he was recharging. 'Villain!' exclaimed Francisco, 'you shall account for this.' Hawkhurst had reprimed his musket and shut the pan. 'Not to you,' replied Hawkhurst, levelling his piece, and taking aim at Francisco. The ball struck Francisco on the breast; he reeled back from his position, staggered across the sand, gained the cave, and fell at the feet of Clara. [Illustration: _The pirate captain was seen to raise his body convulsively half out of the water--he floundered, sank, and was seen no more._] 'O God!' exclaimed the poor girl, 'are _you_ hurt? who is there, then, to protect me?' 'I hardly know,' replied Francisco faintly; and, at intervals, 'I feel no wound. I feel stronger;' and Francisco put his hand to his heart. Clara opened his vest, and found that the packet given to Francisco by Cain, and which he had deposited in his breast, had been struck by the bullet, which had done him no injury further than the violent concussion of the blow--notwithstanding he was faint from the shock, and his head fell upon Clara's bosom.