He soon caught up with it, but saw no one on deck, and
the craft had a dingy and uncared-for appearance that was not
reassuring. But after hovering over it for some time Rob decided to
board the ship and rest for a while. He alighted near the bow, where
the deck was highest, and was about to explore the place when a man
came out of the low cabin and espied him.
This person had a most villainous countenance, and was dark-skinned,
black-bearded and dressed in an outlandish, piratical costume. On
seeing the boy he gave a loud shout and was immediately joined by four
companions, each as disagreeable in appearance as the first.
Rob knew there would be trouble the moment he looked at this evil
crew, and when they drew their daggers and pistols and began fiercely
shouting in an unknown tongue, the boy sighed and took the electric tube
from his coat pocket.
The buccaneers did not notice the movement, but rushed upon him so
quickly that he had to press the button at a lively rate. The tube
made no noise at all, so it was a strange and remarkable sight to see
the pirates suddenly drop to the deck and lie motionless.
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