“Begorra, that must be Murdock!” said Barney.
“Chase him!”
Away flew the engine toward the shore.
The quarter boat returned to the steamer.
When the Pegasus reached a point near the vessel the signal gun on the Rover was suddenly discharged at her.
It had been loaded with bullets, nails and pieces of lead, and the scattering shot struck her.
She was too strong to suffer any injury from such small shot, however, and continued on her way unhurt.
“I wonder if the man going ashore wasn’t a scheme to draw us near so they could fire at us?” muttered Frank.
“Masther Frank!” yelled Barney, “is it wid a shmoile yez will take thim shots, or shall we return thim wid our compliments?”
“Fire a volley at the rascals!” replied the inventor.