Part 22 (1/2)
The Nashville had little steam on, for she had been lying to during the fight. Suddenly the Cristobal Colon put on a great burst of speed, and came das.h.i.+ng through the water toward the gun-boat.
”She's going to ram us!”
”Sink her! Stop her!”
These cries came from all parts of the s.h.i.+p.
The excitement was terrific. The Spaniard was firing her guns as she came on, the Nashville was replying. Captain Long was working to stave off the impending disaster. Hastily the engineer got up steam. The gun-boat was well under way again.
”This dodging about can have only one end, sir,” said Young Glory to the captain.
”Yes, an end for us.”
”Exactly. There's only one way to save ourselves.”
”I know none. Once those broadside guns get into play on us it will soon be over. They are bound to sink us at this distance. The worst gunners in the world could not miss.”
”Don't give them the chance.”
”How, Young Glory?”
”Run boldly up to her, sir.”
”What then?”
”It's neck or nothing. Let all hands be ready, and once we're alongside of the Spaniard, we must board her and take her by storm.”
The captain was thunderstruck. This audacious proposal fairly took his breath away. It was difficult for him to reply. Meanwhile, Young Glory respectfully awaited an answer.
CHAPTER X.
BOARDING THE CRUISER--THE LAST STAND.
”Mr. Tyler.”
”Yes, sir.”
”Listen. Young Glory proposes to run into the Spaniard and board her.”
”Great Heaven!”
”It's the only way to save ourselves.”
”Save ourselves, Young Glory! Do you know what you're talking about?”
”I generally do, sir.”
”Then take note of this. The Cristobal Colon has a complement of five hundred officers and men. What have we?”