Chapter Four.
In Command.
Hilary Leigh was only a boy, and he acted boyishly at that moment, for in his rage and mortification he first of all struck at the hatch with his fist, and then shouted to the people on deck.
“Here, hi! you sirs, open this hatch directly.”
But as he shouted he knew that his order was absurd, and tucking the lieutenant’s sword under his arm he buckled on his own before leaping down to where his leader lay.
“Are you much hurt, sir?” he asked; but there was no answer.
“I’ve got a orfle whack side o’ the head, sir,” growled Tom Tully.
“So’ve I, sir,” said another man.
“Serve you right too, for not keeping a good lookout,” cried Hilary savagely; “here, it’s disgraceful! A king’s ship taken by a set of smuggling rascals. Look alive, there, my lads. Here, you marines, be smart. Where’s Billy Waters?”