He then ordered the guns’ crews to close up and prepare to open fire. In addition to the quick-firers, Lewis guns were brought up and stationed at the wings of the bridge. Speed was then increased to thirty knots, which was at least double that of the craft under suspicion.
The Su-me then hoisted a three-flag signal: “Unless your communication is of great importance I beg to be excused,” and altered her course more to the west’ard.
“It’s important enough, John Chinaman,” said Maynebrace, with a cheerful grin. “Wheel fifteen degrees to port, quartermaster!”
The change of helm resulted in bringing Buster on a parallel course, and inside that of the suspect. It was Maynebrace’s intention to cut in between her and the shore and then, if she refused to stop, to fire a plugged shell across her bows.
“Look, sir!” exclaimed Raxworthy, lowering his binoculars and pointing at the fugitive. “They’re throwing someone into the ditch!”
Quickly the lieutenant-commander brought his glasses to bear in the direction the midshipman had pointed out.
He was just in time to see a man in white uniform striking the creamy foam in the Su-me’s wake.
The unfortunate individual hit the water heavily, throwing up a considerable shower of spray. He must have fallen flat, and would in consequence be badly winded.
Then, to the surprise of Buster’s officers and men, who had witnessed what seemed to have been a tragedy, a life-buoy was thrown over the Su-me’s stern by one of a group of Chinese clustered right aft. This done, they dispersed with alacrity, possibly fearing a burst of Lewis-gun and rifle fire from the “foreign devils” in pursuit.
By this time Buster was only about half a mile astern.