“Because you are captain, and can’t leave your men.”
Stan made an impatient gesture.
“But I could, sir,” continued Lawrence quietly; “and if you order me I’ll go.”
Stan looked at him sharply.
“I mean it, sir,” said the man, with a peculiar smile; “but all the same I hope you will not send me.”
“I can’t,” said Stan. “How can I send you where I hold back from going myself?”
At that moment the man stretched out his hand sharply and caught the lad by the arm.
“What’s that for?” said Stan sharply.
“Look in that first junk.”
“Yes; I’m looking. They’re getting ready to hoist sail and go—No! I see now. They’re afraid to come to close quarters. They’re loading that gun.”