“Oh,” said Fitz, “I should arrange to go about two bells, let the dinghy drift close in under her bows after studying the gunboat well with a glass, and I think one ought to be able to mount by climbing up the anchor on the starboard side. If not, by the fore-chains.”
“And what about the watch?”
“I’ve thought about that, sir, and I don’t believe that they keep a good one at all. It won’t be like trying to board a gunboat in the British Navy. Like as not those on deck will be asleep.”
“Yes, I think so too,” said Poole.
“Well,” said the skipper, “I have something of the same sort of idea. They’d never believe that any one from the schooner would do such a daring thing. What do you say, Burgess?”
“Same as you do, sir,” said the mate gruffly.
“But what do you think would be the great advantage of doing this, Mr Burnett?” said the skipper.
“The advantage, sir?” replied the middy, staring. “Why, it would be like drawing a snake’s fangs! You wouldn’t be afraid of the gunboat without her gun.”
“No,” said the skipper thoughtfully, “I don’t think I should; and for certain she’d be spoiled for doing any mischief to Don Ramon’s forts.”
“Oh yes, father,” cried Poole excitedly. “It would turn the tables completely. You remember what Don Ramon said?”