“Every moment it was thought that the gallant lad would be killed or crushed to death by the infuriated monster. “Men on all sides rushed to his assistance. “But before they climbed half-way up, the gallant middy stabbed the ape and ran it through and through with his sword. GIVEN AWAY!! SCENES, SHEETS OF CHARACTERS, AND A LARGE STAGE FRONT FOR A NEW PLAY, CALLED “ALONE IN THE PIRATES’ LAIR.” _READ THE “BOYS OF ENGLAND,”_ AND SECURE THE ABOVE MAGNIFICENT GIFTS. ONE PENNY WEEKLY. [Illustration: WILDFIRE NED’S ATTACK ON THE SKELETON CREW.—SEE NEXT NUMBER.] “Dark gore stained the snow-white decks. “The next moment, with a loud scream, Jacko fell a lifeless, mangled mass upon the deck. “Loud shouts recognised the middy’s victory. “But his most dangerous task was yet before him. “None of us expected he had the strength to reach the main truck and rescue the child, but while I turned my head in sickened horror, I was suddenly startled by a cry from Black Jake— “‘Oh! massa, massa! Massa Ned, the middy, is on de main truck!’ “A cold shudder ran through my veins as the words reached me. “I cast my eyes upwards to the dizzy height. “It was too true. “There, up aloft, and looking like a speck, the gallant lad climbed and held on to the main truck. “There was nothing above nor around him but the empty air. “But still he climbed. “One moment more, and he has saved the child! “A loud cheer greets him as he unties the little thing, and he waves his cap. “But why doesn’t he come down with the baby? “He cannot! “He is too weak to attempt it! “What must he do? “He climbs on to the top of the main truck. “He sits on the round piece of wood, which, from the deck, looks no bigger than a button. “Dreadful daring! “If he should attempt to stoop, he has nothing to take hold on. “Nothing was within reach beneath him but a long, smooth, naked spar, which even then bent with his weight. “Any attempt to get down with the child would be almost certain death. “He would lose his balance and be dashed to pieces! “Such was the nature of the thoughts of everyone on board, as they gazed at the adventurous youth up aloft. “The parents of the child were now almost frantic. “They had to be led into the cabin, for they were well-nigh crazed with fear. “What was to be done? “No one dared to go up after him, for the spar even now bent under his weight. “I looked up, and half thought I could see the brave lad’s limbs tremble and his cheeks all red with excitement. “Each second I thought would be his last. “I could not bear to look at him, and yet could not withdraw my gaze. “I myself had the sensation of one about to fall from a great height. “Making a strong effort to recover myself, like a dreamer who fancies he is shoved from a precipice, I staggered up against the bulwarks. “When my eyes turned from the dizzy height to which they had been riveted, sense and consciousness came back.