"I dread something terrible, but I have very little apprehension for the fate of the people on board the ship," he answered, in a low tone.  "In my opinion, the pirates will find that they have caught a tartar.  Mark me--yonder craft is no merchantman, but a ship of war, either American or English, or perhaps Chilian.  I should not be surprised to find that she is on the watch for our friends here.  Scarcely do I know what to wish.  If they fight at all, they will fight desperately, and we shall run as great a chance of being killed as they will--though, if they are captured, we may regain our liberty.  If, on the other hand, they escape, our captivity will be prolonged."