"I'll keep him occupied, Joe," he said in a low voice. "Keep edging back until you get to the cave-mouth."
A daring plan had formed in his mind. It meant, as he thought, risking his own life, but he was prepared to do this for the sake of his younger brother.
If he could but distract Captain Royal's attention by taunts and jeers, even if it meant arousing the man to a pitch of murderous madness, Joe might make good his escape.
"You wouldn't have the nerve to shoot," he shouted.
Captain Royal brandished the shotgun and glared at Frank.
"I wouldn't have the nerve, hey? You think I haven't?"
Joe was moving back, step by step, toward the opening.
"No, you wouldn't shoot me," scoffed Frank. "I don't believe your old gun is loaded anyway."
Captain Royal had forgotten all about Joe by now.
"Not loaded?" he screeched. "It's loaded to the muzzle, I tell you. It's always loaded. You'll find out if it's loaded or not."