Part 13 (1/2)
”No!”
”The boat will be on you in a minute. You will be between two fires.”
”I care not.”
”He's a brave fellow!” cried the sergeant, tauntingly. ”Look at him, lads.”
”We can't see his face.”
”He'll keep this bluff up to the last, lads. Then he'll whine for mercy.”
”But let's see him.”
”Good!”
The sergeant seized a torch, and instantly set fire to it.
There was a glare of light.
”Look at the hero!” he cried.
”Are you mad?” shouted Jose Castro, from the rock. ”Do you want everyone to know where you are? Out with that flame if you value your lives!”
”Not yet!” cried Young Glory, springing forward like lightning. He seized the burning torch, and with a quick movement tore it from the sergeant's hand.
Then he jumped back to his post on the stern seat of the boat, and instantly he began to wave the torch above his head.
Jose Castro was furious.
”Kill him, kill him!” he shouted.
”He has a few minutes to live, that's all!”
Still Young Glory waved the torch, hoping it might be seen by those on the cruiser Brooklyn. Even then it was doubtful if they could do anything.
The boat that had been coming up at the stern missed its mark, and ran in between the two ammunition boats.
Then Young Glory saw that he was saved for a few minutes at all events.
The torch still waved, and Jose Castro stormed and raved at the men in the boats.
”Listen,” said Young Glory.
”Well?”
”I have a word to say.”
”Don't let the traitor speak!”
”Be silent!” exclaimed the sergeant. ”Well, what is it?”