Chapter Twenty Nine.
The non-combatant.
“Here, you, Mr Burnett, you are a non-combatant,” said the skipper, suddenly coming upon Fitz, after going round the walls of the hacienda with Don Ramon, and seeing that they were manned to the best advantage.
“Oh, yes, sir, I don’t want to fight,” replied the boy carelessly, and wincing rather with annoyance as he saw the Spaniard give him a peculiar look.
“But you look as if you do, fingering that double-barrelled gun.”
“Do you wish me to give it up, sir?”
“No, certainly not. Keep it for your defence. You don’t know how you will be situated, and it may keep one of the enemy from attacking you. The sight of it will be enough. You, Poole, keep well in shelter. I don’t want you to be running risks.”
“I shan’t run risks, father, unless you do,” replied Poole. “I shall keep close beside you all the time.”
“No,” said the skipper sharply, “you will stop with Mr Burnett. I leave him in your charge, and—Here! Who’s that? Winks, you stop with my son and Mr Burnett there. Be ready to help them if they are in trouble.”