“I know that,” replied Bramble, with a wink.
The captain returned, probably satisfied that it was only a coaster, but he did not choose to say so. “Well, I don’t know what to make of her, but at all events there’s nothing like being ready. She’s coming down fast upon us; Mr Stubbs, we’ll beat to quarters.”
Again the people were called up and the guns cast loose; the powder was handed up, and all was preparation. I did not think, however, that the passengers appeared at all zealous; but that I was not surprised at: the captain harangued them, calling them Britons, etcetera, and, hoping that they would show what stuff they were made of; talked about the honour of Old England, and a great deal more, and then examined the vessel again with his glass. “We’ll give her the starboard broadside, and then wear round his stern and give her the other. Hoist the colours!”
As soon as we hoisted the colours, the schooner hoisted English colours also.
“English colours, sir!” said the mate, grinning. “English colours, heh? Very well; but that may be a feint—keep to your guns, my lads.”
The vessel now ran by us; she was deeply laden, and as broad as she was long.
“No privateer this time, captain,” said Bramble, laughing.
“No, all’s right; secure the guns, my lads. We’d have given her a nice peppering if she’d been a French privateer.”
The captain then went down below to put away his sword and pistols, which the cabin-boy had brought on deck.
“It’s my opinion, Tom,” said Bramble, “that this skipper ain’t quite so fond of fighting as he pretends to be. I’ll see if I can’t frighten him a little.”