Softly as his whisper was uttered it was heard upon the lugger by the watchful smugglers. A shrill whistle rang out; there was a rush of feet to get back aboard, and men sprang to their arms.
But the Kestrels were too close in this time. The boats were run one on either side; the crews pulled out their cutlasses and sprang up, racing as to who should be first on board; and after a short sharp struggle the smugglers were beaten down, and the lugger was taken.
“Now, Waters, make sure of the prisoners, and don’t trust them below!” cried the lieutenant. “Come, my lads. Crew of the first boat head for the shore.”
“Would you like lanterns, sir?” said the gunner.
“What! to show the rascals where to shoot!” said the lieutenant. “No, sir. We could take the lugger in the dark, and now we’ll have the rest of the gang and the cargo. Look here, my men,” he said, turning to the prisoners, “fifty pounds and a free pardon to the man who will act as guide and show us the way to the place where the lugger’s cargo has been placed.”
There was no answer.
“Do you hear there, my men? Don’t be afraid to speak. Fifty pounds, liberty, and my protection to the man who will act as guide.”
Still no answer.
“A hundred pounds, then,” said the lieutenant, eagerly.
“Come, be quick; there is no time to lose.”