"But the enemy are not," added Sampson, who had mounted the rail after he had secured the prisoner. "They are all afloat."
"They will get ashore in some way, or back to the Vampire," replied Christy, and he descended to the deck, and hastened to the engine-room.
[CHAPTER XII]
THE PRISONER OF WAR
"What in the world have you been doing, Christy?" asked Mrs. Passford, as her son entered the engine-room; and her anxiety was visible in her tones and looks as she spoke.
"We have been repelling boarders, mother," replied the middy, his face wreathed in smiles.
"What do you mean by that, my son?" inquired his mother.
"Well, mother, you are the daughter of a distinguished naval officer, and it seems to me you must understand what repelling boarders means," answered the young commander, laughing merrily; and no one in the engine-room could fail to see that he was in the highest state of exhilaration, now that the safety of the ship had been assured.
"Of course, I know what it means," added the lady.
"And I don't mean boarders at the hotel, who are repelled by strong butter and tough steaks," chuckled Christy.