There was no help for it, and with a very bad grace the captives unbuckled their swords and gave up their service revolvers.
“Chess, gentlemen, is an excellent game. It teaches the resources and stratagems of warfare. You will find the men and a board in a locker on the port side there. I should advise you to employ your leisure in studying the various methods of checkmating your opponent.”
As he spoke the captain gave a low bow and, followed by his officers—for such the Americans now were—made for the deck. The cabin door, which, of course, was of steel, with hermetically closing devices, was shut. Below were several impotently raging captives, who, as a matter of fact, had only their own gullibility to blame for the predicament.
“Now for the next move!” exclaimed Captain Gomez, as they once more gained the bridge. “We must get out of the range of the forts as soon as possible. We are not out of danger here.”
Way was put on the Barrill, and she was headed southward. The Calvo, deprived of her chief officers, lay motionless as she had hove to. No doubt, those on board were wondering what was the meaning of this new move.
“She will follow in a few minutes,” said the captain. “That will be time enough to fire on her.”
“Why not hurry her up a bit, sir?” inquired Ned.
“How, my lad?”
“By hoisting a signal to proceed after us.”
“Capital!” exclaimed Stark. “Stanley, will you set the signal?”