"I know it, but let those scoundrels discover that we have firearms too," retorted the district attorney's assistant.
So the futile revolver shots flashed out. In answer a rifle bullet carried away the hat of one of the deputies.
"That's confounded close shooting," coolly uttered the unhatted one, running down the deck after his head gear.
Another shot flew by close to the searchlight.
"That's the mark the scoundrels are aiming at," muttered the young skipper, angrily. "Turn off the current, Mr. Costigan, and I'll unship the light."
This done, the big reflector and the bulb behind it were taken down to the pilot house by one of the sailors.
"You confounded pirates!" roared the district attorney, shaking his fist in the direction of the "Victor."
"That was actual piracy, wasn't it?" questioned Mr. Baldwin.
"Nothing else!" retorted the assistant, angrily, as he came down aft to place the wheel house between himself and that other craft. "If we ever get that captain and crew on shore we'll make 'em smart in a trial for piracy!"