“What does that boat mean?” he said sharply.
“Don’t know. Can’t say,” the officer replied. “Perhaps a man-o’-war’s boat coming to meet us for the despatches.”
Hilary was not satisfied, but he said nothing. He merely resumed his walk to and fro.
“Now then, bosun,” he said, “have your men up ready. It will be down sails directly.”
“Not yet awhile, Mr Leigh,” said the officer. “The Kestrel does not fly—she crawls.”
“Waters,” said Hilary as he passed out of his companion’s sight, “make no sign, but lay a bar or two and some pikes about handy for use if wanted, and give the men a hint to be ready if there’s anything wrong. Quietly, mind.”
Billy Waters nodded, and as Hilary walked back to where the officer was standing he became aware that the gunner had taken his hint, but it was all done so quietly that it did not catch the officer’s attention.
“That boat means to board us,” said Hilary, as their proximity to the land sheltered them from the wind and their progress became slow.
“Offer to pilot us, perhaps,” said the officer. “No; it is as I said.”
“Ahoy, there! Heave-to!” shouted the officer in command of the boat.