The gig was within half a dozen strokes of the oar from the beach, and Clara, unconscious of wrong, had just taken the packet of papers from Francisco's vest, when Hawkhurst made his appearance from behind the rocks which separated the two little sandy coves. Francisco had recovered his breath, and, perceiving the approach of Hawkhurst, he sprang upon his feet to recover his musket; but, before he could succeed, Hawkhurst had closed in with him, and a short and dreadful struggle ensued. It would soon have terminated fatally to Francisco, for the superior strength of Hawkhurst had enabled him to bear down the body of his opponent with his knee, and he was fast strangling him by twisting his handkerchief round his throat, while Clara shrieked, and attempted in vain to tear the pirate from him. As the prostrate Francisco was fast blackening into a corpse, and the maiden screamed for pity, and became frantic in her efforts for his rescue, the boat dashed high up on the sand; and, with the bound of a maddened tiger, Edward sprang upon Hawkhurst, tearing him down on his back, and severing his wrist with his sword-blade until his hold of Francisco was relaxed, and he wrestled in his own defence. 'Seize him, my lads!' said Edward, pointing with his left hand to Hawkhurst; as with his sword directed to the body of Francisco he bitterly continued, '_This victim is mine!_' But, whatever were his intentions, they were frustrated by Clara's recognition, who shrieked out, 'My Edward!' sprang into his arms, and was immediately in a state of insensibility. The seamen who had secured Hawkhurst looked upon the scene with curious astonishment, while Edward waited with mingled feelings of impatience and doubt for Clara's recovery; he wished to be assured by her that he was mistaken, and he turned again and again from her face to that of Francisco, who was fast recovering. During this painful suspense, Hawkhurst was bound and made to sit down. [Illustration: _Clara sprang into his arms, and was immediately in a state of insensibility._] 'Edward! dear Edward!' said Clara at last, in a faint voice, clinging more closely to him; 'and am I then rescued by thee, dearest!' Edward felt the appeal; but his jealousy had not yet subsided. 'Who is that, Clara?' said he sternly. 'It is Francisco. No pirate, Edward, but my preserver.' 'Ha, ha!' laughed Hawkhurst, with a bitter sneer, for he perceived how matters stood. Edward Templemore turned towards him with an inquiring look. 'Ha, ha!' continued Hawkhurst; 'why, he is the captain's son! No pirate, eh? Well, what will women not swear to, to save those they dote upon!' 'If the captain's son,' said Edward, 'why were you contending?' 'Because just now I shot his scoundrel father.' 'Edward!' said Clara solemnly, 'this is no time for explanation; but, as I hope for mercy, what I have said is true; believe not that villain.'