“Spottie was right,” cried Jack, catching up a musket, while Don and the captain followed suit; “they've found canoes, and mean to board us.”
“Fire my magazine, but we'll give 'em a right warm welcome, then,” said the captain. “Look to the primin', lads, an' hold hard when I says fire, for blow me, these 'ere old muskets kicks like a passel o' lubberly donkeys, d'ye see!”
“Captain,” Don hastily interposed, “why not draw the bullets and load up with shot? The canoes are so deep in the water that a smart volley of shot right into the midst of the rascals is sure to make them flop over. We've just time to do it.”
This suggestion tickled the captain immensely, and without delay the change was made. The canoes were now within easy range.
“Ready, lads,” cried the captain:
“We always be ready,
Steady, lads, steady!
We'll fight an' we'll conquer agin and agin!”
Up went the muskets. At sight of them the natives rested on their oars, or rather paddles, and the canoes slowed down.
“Fire!”