That's what we have to do, Mr Roberts; eh, Mr Murray?"

"Yes, sir; and the sooner the better," replied the latter.

"The sooner the better? Yes," said the captain, nodding; "and if we
have to sink her that will be work more worthy for our metal. But
patience, patience. Yes; for sailors like better work than sinking a
few savage canoes. But, as I said, patience. You hot-blooded boys are
always in such a hurry. All in good time. I'm not going to rest till I
have got hold of my smooth, smiling Yankee, and I promise you a treat--
some real fighting with his crew of brutal hounds. I'll sink his
schooner, or lay the _Seafowl_ alongside, and then--it will be risky but
glorious, and you boys shall both of you, if you like, join the
boarders. What do you say to that?"

The captain did not wait for an answer, but tucked his telescope more
closely under his arm and marched aft, to stand gazing over the stern
rail at the last of the war canoes, which disappeared directly in one of
the river bends, while the sloop glided rapidly on towards the muddy
river's mouth.

"Well, Dick, how do you feel now?" said Murray, smiling.

Roberts knit his brows into a fierce frown as if ready to resent any
remark his messmate might make. But the genial, open, frank look which
met his disarmed him of all annoyance, and he cleared his throat with a
cough.

"Oh, I don't agree with him about the treatment of those blacks," he
said. "There's a want of stern, noble justice about his running down
that canoe."

"But it answered all purposes, Dick."

"Humph! Maybe; but it looked so small, especially when we had all our
guns loaded and the men ready for action."

"Patience," said Murray merrily, taking up the captain's words.
"Patience! You boys--hot-blooded boys are always in such a hurry. Wait
a bit, old chap, and when we catch up to the Yankee we're to have a turn
at the boarding. You'll have a try, eh?"

"Will I?" said the boy, screwing up his features and setting his teeth
hard. "Will I! Yes!"

"Mean it?"

"Yes, I believe so," said Roberts thoughtfully. "I felt ready for
anything when those war canoes were coming on, and I believe I should
feel just the same if the lads were standing ready to board the
schooner. But I don't know; perhaps I should be all of a squirm. I
don't want to brag. It all depends. Those who make the most fuss,
Frank, do the least. We shall see."

"Yes," said Murray, looking at his comrade wit