Sea-Wolves of Seven Shores (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 Excerpt: ...the ship. Peter issued his commands with quick decision, and, under the persuasion of the pistol's muzzle, the Spanish crew did his bidding with alacrity. His own pirate boat was sunk, the Spanish flag was run up at the masthead, anchors were weighed, sails hoisted, and the ship got under way. With a little clever stratagem Peter Francis hoped to beguile and overpower the formidable man-of-war that rode at anchor at the mouth of the river, and thus become master of the entire fleet. But, unfortunately for Peter, the Spanish captain was unusually vigilant. Seeing that one of his fleet was under sail, and fearing lest his sailors should have some treacherous design of making off with the vessel and the booty, he too got under way. This manoeuvre disturbed Peter's plan, and he hurriedly changed his tactics. He had no intention of measuring himself face to face in open conflict with a heavy man-of-war. So he pressed on all sail and headed for the open seas, hoping that he could slip out of the river and away. The man-of-war followed in pursuit, and the chase promised to be a lively one. The two ships scudded through the water under a crowd of canvas, ropes groaning, masts straining. Peter had a fair start and the chances were in his favor. All would have been well had it not been for a malicious gust of wind and injudicious seamanship. The masts were taxed to their utmost; no allowance was made for a sudden shift of breeze. And the wilful wind chose that moment to blow with redoubled energy. A rending crack, a crushing and splintering of wood, and the mainmast fell crashing into the water. There was no escape now for the pirates. The man-of-war swept alongside and poured in her shot and missiles. But, even with these tremendous odds against them, Peter and his ...