They broke into a trot; but hardly had they taken a half dozen steps at the increased pace, when a score of men leaped over or burst through the hedge and fell upon them. Rough hands were clapped upon their mouths; they struggled desperately, but were borne to the ground and pinned there by strong arms. It took some little time to accomplish this, and when at last they were overcome the Ranger’s boats were well upon their way, the men bending strongly to their oars.
CHAPTER XII
IN WHICH DANVERS APPEARS ONCE MORE
After their captors had them securely trussed up with strong ropes, they paid very little attention to Ethan or his companion. Something at sea seemed to interest them greatly, and, filled with curiosity, the two struggled to see what it could be.
“Look how the Ranger’s men are dragging at the sweeps,” said Ethan.
“They pull like mad,” agreed Longsword as he sat up in the sand in spite of his bonds. “And look how the officers are urging them on!”
“Something has happened,” said the lad.
“Something will happen within the next half hour,” said one of the Englishmen who stood near. “His Majesty’s frigate Thunderer is going to have a word to say in this matter pretty soon.”
“An English ship!” cried both captives.
“Ay, and a smart craft, too, with plenty of guns and men. She’s been lying further up behind the headland; but we’ve sent word and she’s coming down.”
As the man spoke there came the deep boom of a gun; the Ranger, with her sails filled, went flying seaward; from around the headland swept the huge, dark hull and towering sail spread of a British ship-of-war, a column of white smoke arising from her bow.