“When we are passing,” said Mr Brymer, “that is, when I say ‘now,’ and begin to run off, tell Miss Denning to be of good cheer, for she and her brother shall not be forsaken. We are going to keep close to the ship till help comes.”
“Keep off, you dogs,” snarled Jarette; “you will have it then,” and he fired again.
I felt horribly nervous as I thought of the wounds received by Walters and Dumlow, but I drew my breath hard, as I stood up in the boat and tried not to look alarmed, though, as I waited for Mr Brymer’s orders to speak, I knew that I must offer the most prominent object for the mutineer’s aim.
And all the while nearer and nearer glided the boat, and I saw Jarette, after cocking the pistol, raise his arm to fire again.
“Yah! boo! coward!” yelled Dumlow, and as he shouted, he lifted one of the oars which he had thrust over the side, and let it fall with a heavy splash just as the Frenchman drew trigger, and the bullet went through the sail.
“Now,” cried Mr Brymer, ramming down the tiller, and as we glided round the stern I cried—
“We are going to stay close by, Miss Denning.”
“Keep off!” roared Jarette, and he fired again.
“The boat will be kept close at hand to help you and your brother.”
“Yes—yes—thank you,” she cried shrilly. “God bless you all! I knew you would not—”