"Not while we're able to use these Krag-Jorgensens," threatened Dick.
"We'll see about that." Sixty turned to the sailors. "Pull!" he ordered. "They're only makin' a bluff."
The sailors began to pull toward the brig once more. Dick saw there was nothing else for it but to open fire.
"We've got to scare 'em off, Carl," said he, in a low tone. "I'll do the shooting, and you lay by and watch."
Bang!
A bullet whistled through the air, zipped its course between two of the sailors and threw up a little spurt of water far beyond the boat. The sailors, in a panic, stopped their rowing.
Sixty was raving like a wild man. He could say nothing, however, that would induce the men with him to come any nearer the brig.
"The next bullet," shouted Dick, "will come closer to you. We've got plenty of guns and plenty of ammunition, and you'll get your gruel if you come on."
Those in the rowboat held a brief consultation. In about two minutes the boat put about and started back to the schooner.
Carl jumped up on the rail and waved his hat.