Mr Reardon had strolled forward, and returned just as the captain said to me—
“You may as well fetch me my sword and cap from the cabin, Mr Herrick.”
“Yes, sir,” I said quickly, and I was off, but he stopped me.
“Not now, boy,” he cried impatiently; “when the first gun is fired will be time enough. Well, Reardon, men all ready?”
“Ready, sir? they want wiring down. I’m only afraid of one thing.”
“What is that?”
“That they will jam one another in the hatches in their excitement.”
“Give fresh stringent orders, sir,” said the captain sternly; “every man is to go quickly and silently to his post, as if on an ordinary drill. By George! they are coming on quickly; we shall have it all over by daylight.”
“And they’ll plunder the ship by lamplight, eh?” said Mr Reardon drily.
“Of course. I think there is no need to feel any doubt now as to these being the men we want?”