The man turned with a grin. It was the Gunner, naked to the waist, and smoke-grimed.
"Sweet mess, ain't it?" he coughed. "How d'ye like your first smell o powder, sir?"
"They're boarding!" panted Kit. "Quick!"
The man leapt up.
"Boardin!" he roared. "Board ME! I'll give em board."
He snatched up a chain-shot, and raced down the deck.
"Up aloft the lot o you!" he howled. "Heaven waits ye there!"
II
As he flamed through the smoke-drift, the crew caught fire from him.
Behind him in roaring flood they poured—black men and bloody, snatching each the weapon nearest to hand.