Life in a Gunboat—The Captain’s Birthday.
Mr Dewar had charge of the first cutter, Mr Mavers, sub-lieutenant, of the second, and Harry himself commanded the whaler.
These were all the boats told off for the fight, about five-and-thirty men all told.
Five-and-thirty men? Yes, but they were five-and-thirty broad-shouldered British blue-jackets, armed with cutlass and revolver. And what is it, pray, that blue-jackets will not dare, ay, and do as well as dare?
Even Dr Scott and the other officers had left their swords behind them, preferring the ship’s cutlass.
Every man had stripped to the waist before starting, for the night was sultry and hot.
The boats were silently lowered before they came in sight of the dhow, therefore before the dhow could see the Bunting.
With muffled oars, nearer and nearer they sweep to the spot from whence the sounds proceed.
The whaler, being lighter, well-manned and well-steered by Harry, took the lead.
The Bunting came slowly on after the boats.