isting of British
colors strengthened this belief, and it was finally confirmed by
Connell's recognition of her captain. Until that moment, however, they
had entertained serious doubts as to whether they should find Peveril
on board; for it did not seem credible that even a smuggler,
accustomed to running great risks, would dare abduct and forcibly
carry off an American citizen. They did not know of the tempting
reward promised to the schooner's captain for doing that very thing,
nor of his determination to make this his last voyage on the great
lake. So they anxiously awaited his answer to the question:

"Have you a man named Richard Peveril aboard your craft?"

When it came, although it was neither yes nor no, it so thoroughly
confirmed their suspicions that they had no hesitation in attempting
to rescue their friend by force, and the _Broncho's_ men gave a yell
of delight as the two vessels crashed together.

On board the tug this moment had been foreseen and prepared for. Two
small anchors had been got ready to serve as grappling-irons, and each
man had been told off for special duty. The regular crew of four men
had been materially strengthened by the addition of the two
passengers; but, as the engineer must be left on board under all
circumstances, the available fighting force was reduced to five. As it
happened, this was the exact number on board the schooner. So, as the
_Bronchos_ scrambled to her deck, each singled out an individual and
went for him.

The vessel had been thrown into the wind by the collision, her sails
were thrashing to and fro with a tremendous clatter, which, combined
with a roar of escaping steam from the tug, created such dire
confusion among the smugglers as rendered them almost incapable of
resistance. In fact, their captain was the only one who made a show of
fighting; and, springing at him with a howl of delight, Mike Connell
sent him sprawling to the deck with a single blow. Then the Irishman
dove down the companionway, cast a hasty glance about the little
cabin, and made for the only door in sight. A couple of vigorous kicks
burst it open, and in another minute Richard Peveril was again a free
man.

As the two friends reached the deck, Connell uttered a wild Irish yell
of triumph, while the released captive, who now gained his first
inkling of what had taken place, stared about him in bewilderment.

Then he burst into a shout of laughter at the spectacle of four men,
one of wh