"Give way!" he ordered—"and keep well apart."
It was the signal to the ships, also. Instantly, they came to life—and the two Long-Toms of the pirate, and the one on The Whip, were trained on the boats. The buccaneers set up a shout, and bent to their oars. The more uncertain the target, the more chance there was for a miss. A quarter the distance was covered ... half the distance....
"Please God, they do not fail!" said Marbury, breathlessly.
"Why don't they shoot!" cried Parkington. "Why don't——"
Crash! the one Long-Tom spoke.
"Hit!" shouted Marbury. "Hit!"
Crash! went the other Long-Tom.
"Two!" cried Parkington, as the boat disappeared in a cloud of water.
Crash, went The Whip's gun.