The men already had armed themselves; so Lord Hastings gave the word to take to the boats. This was done, and pulling away from the rapidly settling submarine, all turned their eyes again to The Vulture.
To their surprise The Vulture was not settling as fast as was the U-6 and several figures could still be seen struggling about on board.
"They are launching the boats, sir," said Frank.
"So they are," replied Lord Hastings. "And they are arming themselves. I guess we shall have to fight this thing out yet. How's your arm, Jack?" he called to the lad, who was in another boat.
"Feels pretty good, sir," was the reply. "Why?"
"And your head, Frank?" demanded Lord Hastings, paying no heed to Jack's question.
"First rate, sir, doesn't hurt a bit."
"All right. Rifles ready, men. We'll swoop down on those fellows before they are prepared to hold us off."
But already they had delayed too long to surround the pirates without a fight. The Vulture's boats were afloat now and were manned by the crew; and from the distance the British could see they were all armed.
Lord Hastings gave his commands quickly.