'Yes; it pleases me to hear that you will abandon your lawless life, Captain Cain: but share your wealth I cannot, for how has it been gained?' 'It cannot be returned, Francisco; I will do good with it. I will indeed, Francisco. I--will--repent;' and again the hand was extended. Francisco hesitated. 'I do, so help me God! I _do_ repent, Francisco!' exclaimed the pirate captain. 'And I, as a Christian, do forgive you all,' replied Francisco, taking the still extended hand. 'May God forgive you too!' 'Amen!' replied the pirate solemnly, covering his face up in his hands. In this position he remained some minutes, Francisco watching him in silence. At last the face was uncovered, and, to the surprise of Francisco, a tear was on the cheek of Cain, and his eyes suffused with moisture. Francisco no longer waited for the hand to be extended; he walked up to the captain, and taking him by the hand, pressed it warmly. 'God bless you, boy! God bless you!' said Cain; 'but leave me now.' Francisco returned on deck with a light and grateful heart. His countenance at once told those who were near him that he was not condemned, and many who dared not before take notice of, now saluted him. The man who had taken him out of irons looked round; he was a creature of Hawkhurst, and he knew not how to act. Francisco observed him, and, with a wave of the hand, ordered him below. That Francisco was again in authority was instantly perceived, and the first proof of it was, that the new second mate reported to him that there was a sail on the weather bow. Francisco took the glass to examine her. It was a large schooner under all sail. Not wishing that any one should enter the cabin but himself, he went down to the cabin door and knocked before he entered, and reported the vessel. 'Thank you, Francisco; you must take Hawkhurst's duty for the present--it shall not be for long; and fear not that I shall make another capture. I swear to you I will not, Francisco. But this schooner--I know very well what she is; she has been looking after us some time; and a week ago, Francisco, I was anxious to meet her, that I might shed more blood. Now I will do all I can to avoid her, and escape. I can do no more, Francisco. I must not be taken.' 'There I cannot blame you. To avoid her will be easy, I should think; the _Avenger_ outsails everything.' 'Except, I believe, the _Enterprise_, which is a sister vessel. By heaven! it's a fair match,' continued Cain, his feelings of combativeness returning for a moment; 'and it will look like a craven to refuse the fight: but fear not, Francisco--I have promised you, and I shall keep my word.' [Illustration: _'God bless you, boy! God bless you!' said Cain; 'but leave me now.'_] Cain went on deck, and surveyed the vessel through the glass. 'Yes, it must be her,' said he aloud, so as to be heard by the pirates; 'she has been sent out by the admiral on purpose, full of his best men. What a pity we are so short-handed!'