Part 47 (2/2)

”That was very good of you, squire, but while you're about it if I were you I'd just say a word or two to them two bantam-c.o.c.k-like boys of officers of yours, who keep on sneering like at my men and setting their backs up. You don't mean it, of course, being ready to do what's right.

So you give 'em a good talking to when you get 'em back safe aboard.

You'd best do it, for if them puppies keep on that how they may make my chaps wild. Now just look at that!”

For the two mids.h.i.+pmen had been growing warmer for some minutes past as they listened to the American's insulting language, and at last, hot with annoyance, Murray, unable to contain himself and forgetting discipline, clapped his hand upon his side-arms and took a step forward, his eyes flas.h.i.+ng with boyish anger, and exclaimed--

”Do you mean that insulting language for me, sir?”

Perhaps there was something in the lad's manner, as in that of Roberts', who immediately followed his example, or maybe the overseer's men were only waiting for an opportunity to be aggressive. At any rate, they seized upon the opportunity to burst out into a derisive laugh.

”Quiet! Steady, my lads!” cried the lieutenant fiercely.

”But, sir--” began Murray hotly.

”Silence, sir!” roared his officer; and then what happened was too much for him, for a dark shadow came from somewhere amongst the trees, a shadow-like something which described a curve and struck the speaker full in the chest, and fell to the ground in the shape of a great unhusked cocoanut.

In an instant the lieutenant's hand flew to his sword, but he checked himself. His act, though, had its effect, for there was a yell of laughter, and the one great nut was followed by a shower, two of which half drove the two young officers mad as they struck heavily, the rest having effect amongst the sailors, who with one impulse fell into line and presented arms.

There was another yell of laughter, and the overseer sprang up from his cane chair.

”That'll do!” he shouted; but he made no effort further to check his men, but dashed in through one of the open windows of the house, just as from another came the sharp flash and puff of smoke from a rifle, followed by a ragged volley from the creeper-covered building that lay farther back.

This was answered by a fierce British cheer and a rush on the part of the sailors, who either carried their officers with them or were led--no one afterwards seemed to know--but in almost less time than it takes to describe, the little party of sailors swept through the plantation house from front to back, driving its defenders before them, and without firing a shot till a few desultory rifle-shots began to spatter from the thick patch of tropic forest which sheltered the back of the attractive dwelling. Then, and then only, three or four volleys silenced the enemy's fire, and it was evident that the overseer and his men had now fled, taking with them the planter, if he had not retreated by his own efforts, for he was nowhere visible. Then all was silence as soon as the rustling and crackling of cane and the heavy shaddock-like foliage had ceased.

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

MURRAY'S MISSION.

”Hah! I did not mean this,” cried the lieutenant; and his eyes lit upon Murray, who winced and felt guilty as he stood dirk in hand panting and waiting for his superior officer's reproof, which he felt must come.

”Ah, Mr Murray,” he continued, as he took off his hat and wiped his forehead, ”you there? Any one hurt?”

”I saw Tom May fall, sir,” replied the lad, as the incident was brought to his mind by his officer's question.

”Picked him up again, sir,” came in a deep growl, ”but two of our messmates has got it, I find.”

”That's bad,” said the lieutenant. ”Who are they?”

There was no response, and the lieutenant turned sharply upon the mids.h.i.+pman.

”Mr Murray,” he said, ”take two men, May and another, and try if you can find your way down to the boat. Do you think you can?”

”Yes, sir.”

”Off with you, then, at the double. When you reach the boat, out oars, and with the two boat-keepers try and reach the sloop. Don't run more risks than you can help. If you are cut off by enemies on the banks, retreat back to me here and help me hold this place until the captain sends a force to my relief. You will report to Captain Kingsberry that I did everything possible to avoid an encounter. But there--you know.

I trust to your discretion, my lad, in spite of your late mistake.

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