He gasped, he yelled.
"God's Mother—the Carbineers!"
Landon leaped to his feet with a curse. He seized an oar; he thrust with all his strength at the mud. And at the same moment the two on the shore, struggling in their captor's hands, let fall the painter. The boat shot out stern foremost into deep water.
From the shore came the sound of a struggle and then Muhammed's voice, shrill in explanation.
"Signori! Signori! I am not a contrabandist! I am a tourist; I can prove it; I wish to offer no resistance; I place myself in your hands, freely."
There was a grim laugh, and then the yellow beam of light which had been withdrawn while the struggle proceeded, flung out its level rays again and illuminated the boat.
"Surrender, Luigi!" shouted a stern voice. There was another click. "Surrender, stupido! I have you covered; I give you five seconds before I fire!"
The shrill voice of the captured sailor reinforced the argument.
"It is over—finished," he shouted pessimistically. "It is Pinale; there is nothing more to be done!"
Luigi groaned and then flung up his hands.