The little tug steamed up boldly toward her big prize, which lay idly tossing on the waves. One could see her officers and crew standing on deck watching the approach.
"I'll bet they feel happy!" Clif muttered to himself.
The lieutenant loaned him the glass. Then he could see the faces of the men.
There was one of them he might have recognized had he been careful; but he did not recognize it, and so he failed to save himself some mighty unpleasant adventures indeed.
They were all typical Spanish faces, dark and sullen; but there was one there even darker and more sullen than the rest.
And the owner of that countenance had a glass in his hand and was staring at those on the tug. Though the cadet did not know it, that man was at that instant watching him.
And there was an expression of furious hate on his face as he looked.
Lieutenant Raymond expected no further trouble; but he took no chances. Men were stationed at the three remaining six-pounders, and the rest of the crew was armed.
In silence the Uncas steamed up to within a hundred yards of her prize. And then came the signal to stop engines.
It was the time for a boarding party. Clif, as junior officer, knew that that was his duty, and without a word he proceeded to get the small boat off.