Now, you robber, give me those papers."
I handed them out, watching closely. Peters stood at my right, one
hand on my arm; the other fellow must have been behind me. Henley
grasped the envelope, opening the flap to be sure of its contents. The
movement caused him to lower the revolver, and avert his gaze, for just
an instant. With one motion I flung Peters aside, and jammed a
clinched fist into the Captain's face.
CHAPTER XXXVI
IN POSSESSION
Masters must have struck me at almost the same instant my fist landed
on Henley, for we went down together, his revolver discharging, the
flying bullet gouging my shoulder, burning the flesh like a red-hot
wire. Yet I grappled him even as we crashed to the deck, but the
fellow lay stunned, motionless as a dead man. Everything happened
quicker than I can tell it; with such rapidity, indeed, that not a hand
touched me. I could barely struggle up on one knee, dazed still by the
stroke which had floored me, and glance about, when the blue-jackets
came tumbling over the rail, and leaped at the astounded crew of the
_Sea Gull_. It was a swift, short fight, the assailants having every
advantage. I saw the Lieutenant, bare-handed, dash into the group,
striking out left and right, his men at his heels.
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