Shackelford knew he held a weak hand—that any attempt to board this craft flying the British jack and drag from her deck a subject of the United States foreign diplomatic service would not only embroil him in present difficulties and probably result in a broken head, but future results promised to make things exceedingly lively for him.
Great Britain was going out of her way to bring about an era of good feeling between America and the mother country—she had shown in many matters how sincere her sympathies were and that blood was thicker than water.
Hence, he might expect severe handling from the legal and military authorities of both countries.
Although Bob Shackelford had always been accounted pretty much of a dare devil he really drew the line at throwing his gauntlet into the ring and sending a defiance to two nations—that would probably be a little too strong for his blood.
Here was a chance to draw out with honor.
Shackelford accepted the olive branch.
"Well, Beven, you put the matter pretty strongly, and I am inclined to yield. Give me your solemn pledge that this gentleman boarded us as a lover and not as a spy, and," here he expressed himself very forcibly in the genuine Shackelford style—"I'll draw off and spare you the gore of battle that must come when Greek meets Greek."
"I give you that pledge," replied Beven, readily.
"Why did he go in disguise then?" was the final query from the other, who had not as yet grasped the full significance of affairs.