“Give her full head!” called Major Starland.
“We are doing so, Señor!” replied the placid Captain.
“Your life depends on getting the boat off.”
The other made no reply, but with the hand on the pulse of his patient, as may be said, he noted all the symptoms. He was seen to turn and look in the direction of the catboat, as if he expected something from that. He was not disappointed.
General Yozarro and his friends were quick to note the mishap that had befallen the tug and they headed their craft toward it. They meant to board, and, despite the bravery of the defenders they were quite certain to succeed, since, as has been shown, the “house was divided against itself.”
The American dashed to the stern, calling upon Guzman to follow. It took them but a moment to turn the muzzle of the gun so that it bore directly upon the catboat.
“If you come any nearer, I’ll blow you out of water!”
Then the Major added a bit of information which perhaps was superfluous:
“We Americans always hit what we aim at.”