Still no answer from out on the water. And, by this time, the boat was so far away in the darkness that it was impossible to judge in which direction to aim.
"Cease firing. The rascal has escaped," said the corporal of the guard. "You are recruits, aren't you?" turning to Hal and Noll.
"Yes, Corporal."
"You're right about Corporal Shrimp being in arrest. Corporal, you've taken a long chance in breaking your arrest like this."
Shrimp said not a word. He was cunning enough to know that nothing he could say now would help his case any.
Suddenly one of the two members of the guard stepped forward, bringing his rifle to port.
"Halt!" he called. "Who goes there?"
"Sergeant of the guard," replied another voice out of the darkness.
"Advance, Sergeant of the guard, to be recognized."
Not only the sergeant came forward, but four other members of the guard with him.