"No!"
"Run up alongside. We'll have to board 'em under way," Hal said, in a low voice. "Noll, head the men in the cabin. Order 'em to fix their bayonets. Don't bring them on deck until you find that we're boarding. Then be brisk about it!"
As the "Restless" leaped in to lay alongside the stranger there could no longer be any doubt as to the grim intentions of the United States forces.
From the deck of the stranger came another sheet of flame. Hal felt one of the bullets tear through his left sleeve, though without cutting the flesh of his arm.
"Fire!" he gave the order.
When they shoot, regulars are taught to do it coolly and with effect. Two or three yells from the stranger's deck greeted the volley, indicating that some had been hit.
But above all there rose a woman's piercing shriek.
"They really have a woman on board!"
gasped Hal, feeling chill and sick for an instant.
"Yes, you infernal scoundrels!" came in the same hoarse voice. "Oh, you'll pay for this outrage!"