"That beats me!" ejaculated the boatswain. "What did she stop for?"
"Probably her captain thinks that is his best course," replied Somers, who knew very well why she had stopped.
The commander of the blockade-runner evidently recognized the voice and the signal of Pillgrim, and, like an obedient servant, was willing to shift the responsibility of the occasion on his owner and employer. Honest Tom Longstone was sorely perplexed by the movement of the steamer and the conduct of the second lieutenant of the Chatauqua, for a suspicion of foul play on the part of one of his officers could not have entered his loyal heart.
The first cutter touched the side of the Ben Nevis, and Mr. Pillgrim went up the accommodation ladder.
"Clear away the howitzer!" said Somers.
The boatswain looked at him as though he had been mad.
"Man the howitzer!"
The gun was loaded with a solid shot, and made ready for instant use.
"Now give way, boatswain," continued Somers; and the second cutter dashed swiftly over the long billows towards the Ben Nevis.
"Are you going to use that gun?" asked Tom Longstone, in a low tone.