"If they overtake us, you being with us, I'll swear that you were one of the hardiest men in my crew!" Robert laughed, he could not help it, though the act was more or less hysterical, and replied: "I'll chance it! But, Captain, didn't you have the surprise of your whole life, and you so cunning, too!" The man raised his cutlass, but dropped it quickly.
"Don't try me that way again," he said.

"It was my impulse to cut you down, and the next time I'd do it.

But you're right.

It was a surprise, though we'll escape 'em yet, and we'll let 'em know we're not just a hunted rabbit, either!" The Long Tom in the stern of the schooner opened fire.

The first shot splashed to the right of the sloop, and the second to the left, but the third struck on board, and two men were seen to go down.