Then he thrust it into a pocket and settled back out of sight
behind the canvas screen.
"You have called the turn," he said quietly, "and the dance is about to
begin. Unship your rudder and let it go. Let them think you are
wrecked, helpless to escape, and they will be more careless. You men
there, loosen your guns, and be ready to scale a ship's side in a
jiffy, but lie perfectly still until I give the word." He turned his
head.
"You understand what you are to do, Craig, you and the lady?"
"I think so. We are to obey Henley's orders, and go on board."
"Yes, but do something as soon as you reach the deck to attract
attention, and get them away from the rail. Try and get the lady as
far astern as possible, for there is likely to be some fighting. Are
you frightened, miss?"
"No," although her voice trembled from excitement. "You need not worry
about me."
I caught the gleam of admiration in the Lieutenant's eyes as he looked
at her, but almost instantly his thought centered on his own work.
"All right, then; I shall not wait for any signal. Now listen, men;
these are my last orders. When I say go, get up any way you can, and
hit the first man you see. Hit hard, but no shooting unless they use
firearms. But fight like devils, and do it quick.
Pages:
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302