"Thanks for that word!" cried Dennis. "Quick, Amos, into the shed! I bethink me there are barrels of oil that we did not place aboard the Mirandola. Broach one, man; tear some of your garments into rags and plentifully soak them in the oil. These we will light and fling down into the pool."
Skipping back from the wall, Turnpenny and Copstone went into the shed and crept back in less than two minutes with armfuls of drenched rags. These they kindled and threw hastily over into the pool below. The enemy opposite poured in a hotter fire, but the little company kept close and none was hit. The device was not a moment too soon. By the light of the blazing rags it could be seen that the Spaniards had swarmed on board the pinnace, hauled up her anchor, and fastened her head rope to their boat. She was indeed already moving slowly towards the sea.
"Fire, my lads!" cried Dennis. "Let them not all escape."
Half a dozen of the men leapt forward, and, heedless of the enemy's bullets, discharged their calivers at the men on the deck of the pinnace. Cries proclaimed that some at any rate had hit the mark; but in an instant afterwards the Minion's deck was clear, the Spaniards having sprung overboard or gone below. Still the vessel slowly receded. As she was between the towing-boat and the ledge, the rowers were protected from the Englishmen's bullets, and they uttered a derisive yell as foot by foot they drew the vessel nearer the sea.
"The falconet, Amos!" cried Dennis. "'Tis time to use our ordnance."
"But we be too high, sir. I cannot lower the muzzle so as to bear on the pinnace."
"You will be able to do that as she draws nearer the shoulder of the cliff. Lay the gun in readiness."
"Zuggers, sir, but if I hit the poor little craft 'twill smash her."
"I care not. If we cannot keep her whole, neither shall the Spaniards have her whole. Lay the gun, man."
"My heart, and so I will, and the knaves shall have a plumper, od-rat-en!"