In a moment the boat was alongside the schooner, and the soldier boy was about to jump upon her half-deck, when the rebel crew, very naturally, ordered him to wait till they had satisfied themselves in regard to his secession proclivities.
There were five men in the schooner, all of whom were seated near the stern.

Tom did not heed the protest of the traitors, but sprang on board the schooner, followed by his companions.
"Now, tell us who you are before you come any farther," said one of the men.
"Massachusetts soldiers! Surrender, or you are a dead man," replied Tom, pointing his gun..