Fitz coughed slightly, as if troubled with something that checked his breath.
“Then look here, Mr Butters,” he said quickly; “we’re off to disable the gunboat yonder, and do two things.”
“Good!” came like a croak.
“First thing is to foul the screw.”
There was another croak, followed by—
“Lay that there cable so that she tangles herself up first time she turns. That’s one.”
Fitz coughed again slightly.
“You will run the boat up in silence, the men will hold on, while you and Chips make fast the end to one of the fans, and then let the cable glide out into the water as we pass round to the bows. It must all be done without a sound. All the rope must be run out, to sink, and then I propose that you hold on again under the starboard anchor.”
“Suppose starboard anchor’s down?” growled the boatswain.
“Pass the boat round to the port; either will do; but if we are seen or heard, all is over.”