"We can't row this boat, you chump!"
"N-No, b-but one of us c-c-can t-take a line in the t-t-tender, and t-tow her."
"They'll go three feet to our one."
"That's all right," I said, "it's worth trying. We can keep away from them for a while. There's a breeze coming out of those clouds in a few minutes, and then we can sail around them in circles."
I was anxious to get away. I had had a glimpse through the spy- glass, and thought I recognized Mr. Snider. We hauled the tender alongside, and Spook got in it to begin the towing. Just as he did so, and as I was standing outside the cock-pit, there came a sound above my head as if the air had been split open.
"Wh-wh-whi-i-i-i-ing—whip!"
The sail of the "Hoppergrass" shivered and the halliards rattled. Almost at the same instant there was a sharp "Crack!" from the dory behind us.
"The blooming sons-of-guns!" exclaimed Spike; "they're firing at us!"
"Firing?"
"Yes; a rifle. Look there!"