Rodd grasped this, and then felt puzzled as he saw a youth of about his own age suddenly elbow his way to the front to stand beside the leader.
Suddenly awakened as he had been from sleep, Rodd felt more confused than ever, for the sight of the youth, who from his dress seemed to be the second officer, added to his confusion, though for the moment he could hardly tell why.
And this just as Uncle Paul was grasping the skipper’s arm and saying—
“Don’t be hasty. These cannot be pirates. There must be some mistake.”
“Maybe, sir, but these fellows who have boarded us have made it. Now, sir, once more, stand back and let us clear the deck. They can talk when they are back in their boats.”
There was a few moments’ silence, each side seeming unwilling to begin, and taking advantage of an apparent hesitancy on the part of the strange leader, Uncle Paul instead of stepping back raised his hand and advanced, Rodd springing to his side, while their movement was exactly followed by the chief intruder and the youth who stepped to his side.
“Now, sir,” cried Uncle Paul firmly, in French.
“I understand English,” was the reply.
“I am very glad,” said Uncle Paul. “Now, sir, you see that we are well-armed and prepared. What is the meaning of this attack?”
“Ah, I am glad, sir,” said the stranger courteously. “Pray keep your men back, and I will mine.”