But then several officers ran forward with guns and pistols.
"Shoot the foreign dogs!" they shouted, and one fired a gun at Oscar, but the bullet sped wide of its mark.
"Come with me, and I will take care of you," said the young captain of the Holland XI., encouragingly.
"Mr. Pelham!" burst from the girl's lips, and a smile lit up her anxious face. "Oh, how thankful I am!"
"There is no time to spare! Come, quick!" And he helped her through the water to the new Holland's side.
As they came up out of the ocean, several shots were fired, one of which took effect in Oscar's shoulder.
Andy returned the fire, and two other Chinese officers went to their death, while a third was badly disabled.
"Catch hold of her, Andy!" panted Oscar. And Martha Adams was placed on deck. Then Oscar tried to come up, but was too faint from loss of blood to do so.
"Give me your hand!" cried Andy, and hauled him on board. Then all three went below and the trap-door was closed as quickly as possible.
The movement came none too soon, for the Chinese gunners were already training their heavy guns in the direction of the Holland.