Suddenly Frank stepped forward, and, brushing aside the other’s guard, struck him a hard left-handed blow over the heart. The lieutenant reeled, and before he could recover his balance Frank crossed his right to the lieutenant’s face.
There was a resounding “smack,” followed by a heavy fall, as Lieutenant Taylor, struck flush upon the point of the chin, was lifted from his feet, and measured his length upon the floor.
“——Eight—nine—ten—out!” counted Jack; and the sailors surged in and lifted Frank to their shoulders.
A moment later Lieutenant Taylor stirred, then arose slowly to his feet. Even as he did so, the sounds of hilarity on the gun deck were stilled by a harsh voice:
“Lieutenant Taylor! Mr. Chadwick! To your quarters immediately! You may consider yourselves under arrest. Such disgraceful proceedings will not be tolerated on the Sylph while I am in command!”
Turning, Jack and Frank beheld the stern countenance of Lord Hastings.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE GAME IS OPENED.
The crowd of sailors disappeared as if by magic, and Frank, Jack and Lieutenant Taylor found themselves alone with Lord Hastings. The latter said no further word, and, without attempting to speak, Frank and his vanquished adversary made their way from the gun deck to their cabins. Jack followed a moment later, after waiting in vain for some other word from Lord Hastings.
Frank greeted his friend’s arrival with a sickly smile.
“Looks like I was in for it, doesn’t it?” he said.