human
But is it certain that he is killed? Did any one see him fall?
gpt
No, sir, answered Mr Norman.
human
We are confident that he was made prisoner; but the belief is that the pirates, in revenge for the destruction of their junks, would have cut off his head unless they were induced to hold him as a hostage.
gpt
I trust that the latter is the case, and that we may manage to get him out of their hands, observed Captain Rogers.
human
But in my anxiety to save him I must not neglect my duty. We must attack these fellows without delay. Unfortunately they have had some time for preparations, and will give us more trouble than would have been the case had not this craft got on shore. I purpose, while the boats attack the junks, to land the marines and storm the fort.
gpt
I believe, sir, that we may be able to get to the rear of the fort from a landing-place I discovered as I came along, said Mr Norman.
human
While the _Gnat_ and the boats are assaulting the fort, we may hope to approach undiscovered, and by coming suddenly on the pirates, should your brother be still alive, we may be able to rescue him before they have time to revenge themselves by killing him.
gpt
I trust that you are right, Mr Norman, and that the poor fellow has escaped, although from the pirates not having sent off a flag of truce to treat for terms, I greatly fear that they have not kept him as an hostage.