“Point your pistols at those men,” said Bowsprit, addressing those under his command, himself presenting at them a weapon in each hand.
His orders were at once obeyed.
“We have pistols, too,” gruffly said one of the men who held Mr Durocher.
“Now,” said Billy, “release your prisoner at once, or I’ll warrant you’ll never disobey orders again.”
At this moment the body of Afton came rushing head-foremost out of the state-room.
Seeing the condition of their officer, the two men unhanded Mr Durocher, and sullenly threw their weapons upon the floor.
The fourth of the men who had accompanied Afton, and who had stood at the state-room door through all these scenes, apparently stupefied by surprise, quietly handed his pistols and cutlass to Bowsprit.