"Heave to, or we sink you!" cried a mighty voice through a speaking
trumpet, as she luffed a little, bringing her port broadside to bear;
and the schooner, which had hoisted British colours, obeyed the command
immediately. In a very few seconds a boat was manned, and dancing on
the hillocks of the sea; and soon, with some danger and much care, the
visitors stood upon the London Trader's deck, and Sam Polwhele came to
meet them.
"We have no wish to put you to any trouble," said the officer in
command, very quietly, "if you can show that you are what you profess to
be. You sail under British colours; and the name on your stern is London
Trader. We will soon dismiss you, if you prove that. But appearances are
strongly against you. What has brought you here? And why did you run
the risk of being fired at, instead of submitting to his Majesty's ship
Minerva?"
"Because she haven't got any ready money, skipper, and we don't like
three months' bills," said the tall Bostonian, looking loftily at the
British officer. "Such things is nothing but piracy, and we had better
be shot at than lose such goods as we carry fresh shipped, and in prime
condition. Come and see them, all with Cheeseman's brand, the celebrated
Cheeseman of Springhaven--name guarantees the quality. But one thing,
mind you--no use to hanker after them unless you come provided with the
ready."
"We don't want your goods; we want you," answered Scudamore, now first
luff of the brig of war Delia, and staring a little with his mild blue
eyes at this man's effrontery.
Pages:
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397