You see, the Spaniard was coming in our direction, and coming like greased lightning.

The six-pounders on the superstructure had not been able to stop her, and things began to be interesting--" "Yes," we gasped, breathlessly, as he stopped to light his pipe.
"Well, as I was saying, the blooming torpedo boat came nearer and nearer, and did not seem to mind the hail of six-pounders any more than a duck does the rain.

I dunno why, for she had no protection that a sixer would not penetrate.
"It got to be blamed exciting, when the officer of the division said to that feller over there, who was a captain of an eight-inch rifle, 'Try your hand at it.' "Bill said, 'Aye, aye, sir, give me time and I'll plunk her sure.' All this time the sneaking craft was coming nearer and nearer.

Bill adjusted his sight and looked and looked, but still did not fire.
"'For heaven's sake, hurry up!' said the division officer, getting nervous.
"'In a minute, sir,' said Bill.

'As soon as I get a good bead.' "He was as cool as an ice machine, and as deliberate as an old hen, but he could shoot, so we held ourselves in as best we could and watched.
After waiting for what seemed an hour, Bill pulled the lanyard and the old gun roared.