Having said this much Master Hackett went swiftly on deck again, and I was left with my own fears and Oliver Benson for company.
I fully expected that he would try once more to persuade me into letting him escape, but fortunately for his own skin he said not a word, and I sat there silent and motionless, trying to picture my behavior in case it should by some lucky chance be possible for me to bear a hand in the action which seemed to be so near at hand.
The moments passed slowly yet quickly, and I believed that a full hour had elapsed when Phil finally showed himself with excuses for having stayed away so long.
"The Junior is close alongside with her anchors down, and Lieutenant Downes is with Captain Porter, most likely getting orders as to how his ship is to be handled during the engagement."
"Can you see the Britisher?" I asked breathlessly.
"Not yet; the boat's crew which brought the lieutenant on board says that they should be off the harbor in an hour at the longest."
"They should be off the harbor. Is there more than one?"
"Ay, two, so it's reported, and Master Hackett says we'll tackle all that come, even if it's a whole squadron."
"He is talking foolishly!" I cried petulantly. "It isn't reasonable to suppose our commander will take any more chances than are absolutely necessary."
"I can't say what he may do; but our people are wild with excitement, and if the decision was left to them I doubt not but that Master Hackett's statement would sound less improbable. Go on deck and have a look around; but give me a chance when the Britishers heave in sight."