The word was passed to lower the gig and one of the whale-boats, and our men cheered lustily while this was being done, for they had a fairly good idea of what the captain was counting on doing.
Lieutenant McKnight, my cousin Stephen, was announced as commander of the small expedition, and he began calling off the names of those whom he counted on taking with him, after word had been passed that each man, as he was thus chosen, should arm himself with a musket and plenty of powder and bullets.
Master Hackett was the first selected, and then followed name after name so rapidly that I soon understood Phil and I would be left out of the business unless something was done quickly.
Without waiting to consult my comrade, I walked across the deck, coughing loudly, and passing within a few feet of where the lieutenant was standing.
He looked up, smiled oddly, and then, after a show of hesitation called:—
"Ezra McKnight! Philip Robbins!"
"You're a beauty!" Phil whispered, as he ran past me on his way below to get the musket and ammunition, and my only regret at that moment was because I could not thank my cousin for the favor he had done us.
We two lads tumbled into the gig alongside Master Hackett, who asked gruffly:—
"What is the lieutenant thinkin' of to send a couple of infants out on a job like this?"
"Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to ask him; I don't care to take the chances of so doing, even though your curiosity is not satisfied," I said pertly. "If shooting is to be done, which seems reasonable after we've been ordered to arm ourselves, I reckon the 'infants' can do as much as some others who are older."