Instead of falling back when he and one of his crew were wounded, as he ought to have done, and using the heavy revolvers with which his men were armed, he did not delay a moment, but smashed into the sloop, and jerked his men on board of her, cutlass in one hand and revolver in the other; and that brought me to the end of my rope.

I could not do anything more." "I am sorry that you are dissatisfied with my third lieutenant's mode of operations," replied Christy, laughing, though his mirth was of the graveyard order.

"But Mr.Pennant is a new officer, and that was the first active duty he had been called upon to perform.

Very likely he will suit you better next time." Christy yawned, or pretended to do so, and in the act he rose from the table.

Captain Flanger was silent as he did so, and watched the captain with the eye of a lynx, as the latter placed himself behind the chair he had occupied.