“The American sloop-of-war Ranger; heave to, or I’ll blow you out of the water!”
CHAPTER XVI
HOW THE RANGER FOUGHT THE DRAKE
With cries of joy both Ethan and Longsword heard these welcome words. Ethan brought the schooner to; in a few moments a boat was lowered and rowed away from the American ship. When Wallingford, third lieutenant of the Ranger, climbed over the schooner’s rail he was astonished to find himself grasped by the hand.
“What, Carlyle,” he cried in amazement.
“None other,” laughed the boy. “You aren’t rid of me yet, you see.”
“We thought you taken by the enemy on St. Mary’s Isle.”
“So I was; but it’s a long story and will keep. You’d better have some men sent on board to take charge of this craft. It’s a prize that Longsword and I took some distance up the coast.”
Lieutenant Wallingford looked his surprise, but said nothing. A crew was soon placed on board the Condor, and Ethan and the Irish dragoon were taken to the Ranger.
John Paul Jones was undisguisedly delighted at the unexpected return of the two adventurers. He shook their hands and expressed his pleasure warmly.
“We are headed for Carrickfergus,” he said. “We understand that the frigate Drake has orders to come out after us.”