"I'm going to board you!" he shouted. "Make one attempt to hinder me and you go to the bottom."
His words, backed by the guns which were trained on the Ann, brought an immediate reply:
"Come aboard if you must, but for the love of God don't sink me."
"Fizzled out like a damp squib," muttered Smith.
"I guess he's played his long suit," remarked the mate, who also felt disappointed at the ignoble collapse of the Ann's skipper after such brilliant promise.
A boat was quickly lowered from the Hawk, and the Captain, before getting into it, gave Mr. Dykes certain instructions.
"And remember," he added, "if you see any sign of trickery put a shot under her water-line amidships."
"Very good, sir," answered the mate.
A few minutes afterwards Calamity had reached the deck of the Ann, where he was met by the Captain and the first mate.
"I demand an explanation of this outrage!" blustered the former. "Are you aware that you are committing piracy? that——"