For the oars were dipping, making the water foam once more, as the crews in both the boats began to pull with all their might. But only half; the others backed water, and directly after the boats’ heads had been turned and they were being rowed back as hard as they would go, till they disappeared round the first bend to the tune of a triumphant cheer given in strong chorus by every man upon the Teal.
Just at that moment Fitz clapped one hand to his cheek, for it felt hot, consequent upon the thought having struck him, that in his excitement he had been cheering too. That burning sensation was the result of a hint from his conscience that such conduct was not creditable to a young officer in the Royal Navy.
Chapter Forty Two.
The Camel’s demand.
The nets were soon mended and the slack places hauled up taut, while the Teal’s crew sauntered about the deck, waiting patiently for the next attack, and compared notes about the slight injuries they had received.
Meanwhile the skipper and mate were anxiously on the alert for what might happen next.
“I want to know what they mean, Burgess,” the lads heard the skipper say. “They’ll never put up with such a rebuff as this.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” growled Burgess. “The officers wouldn’t, of course, but they’ll never get those swabs to face us for another bout.”