“Will she sink?” Drake asked anxiously.
“I should think not. The water-tight compartments ought to keep her afloat. Even if she does go down, there won’t be any loss of life.”
The Leopoldville gradually ceased to move, and she lay there rolling gently with the swell. But in a few moments they could see that a boat was being lowered, and was rapidly rowed in the direction of the Esmeralda.
The red-faced, indignant, and greatly perplexed captain of the Leopoldville ran up the companionway where he was received by Captain Armstrong and John Gaunt. Behind them stood Edward Drake and his brother.
“What is the meaning of this outrage? Who are you?” he cried hotly.
“One question at a time, please, captain. This is a war-ship engaged for a particular purpose, namely, the stopping and, if necessary, sinking of all ships which carry rubber and ivory from the Congo to Europe.”
“You are dastardly pirates,” was the angry answer.
“Not so, captain; for I believe pirates generally go after spoil. Our motive is solely to help the natives of the Congo,” Captain Armstrong answered suavely.
“Isn’t that a parson standing there? Will you kindly explain what it means?” the captain asked of Edward Drake.
“I can tell you no more than you have already heard,” the latter answered.