"Bring up the guns, Cyd," said Dan, with forced coolness.
"Wha—wha—wha——"
"The guns!" said Dan, fiercely, as he stamped his foot upon the flooring to emphasize his meaning.
"Gossifus! I done think—" But Cyd disappeared in the cabin without giving those on deck the benefit of his thoughts.
"Now, Lily, you must go into your cabin. Lie down in your berth, for they may fire upon us," said Dan. "Don't be alarmed; there are only three men in that boat, and we can certainly beat them off."
"I will not leave you, Dan. I am not afraid of the bullets. I only fear——"
At that moment the report of a gun startled them, and the ball whistled close by Dan's head.