"We know dif'rent. The wounded men in the James were afther tellin' us."
I looked down inquiringly at my great-uncle.
"If they seek terms, they are uncertain of success," he said. "Send the boy away."
"But if they destroy the James?"
"First they will attack—and after that we will deal with the problem of protecting the ship."
And as I hesitated——
"Be so good as to answer him at once, Robert, or I shall have him shot as he stands."
"Go back, Darby," I called. "Captain Murray will have none of your offer."
"God save us!" he exclaimed involuntarily. "I'm thinkin' that will be the death of many a tall feller, Master Bob. Well, good luck to ye and to Master Peter and the elegant young maid. If we all come out safe——"
My great-uncle leaped upon a tree-stump and fired a pistol over Darby's head. The boy stood motionless a moment, mouth agape.