I have thought of that, said I, for I made sure he was thinking of a
bombardment of the fort. They could never get the gun ashore, and if
they did, they could never haul it through the woods.
Look astern, doctor, replied the captain.
We had entirely forgotten the long nine; and there, to our horror, were
the five rogues busy about her, getting off her jacket, as they called
the stout tarpaulin cover under which she sailed. Not only that, but
it flashed into my mind at the same moment that the round-shot and the
powder for the gun had been left behind, and a stroke with an axe would
put it all into the possession of the evil ones abroad.
Israel was Flint s gunner, said Gray hoarsely.
At any risk, we put the boat s head direct for the landing-place. By
this time we had got so far out of the run of the current that we kept
steerage way even at our necessarily gentle rate of rowing, and I could
keep her steady for the goal. But the worst of it was that with the
course I now held we turned our broadside instead of our stern to the
HISPANIOLA and offered a target like a barn door.
I could hear as well as see that brandy-faced rascal Israel Hands
plumping down a round-shot on the deck.
Who s the best shot? asked the captain.
Mr. Trelawney, out and away, said I.
Mr. Trelawney, will you please pick me off one of these men, sir?
Hands, if possible, said the captain.
Trelawney was as cool as steel. He looked to the priming of his gun.
Now, cried the captain, easy with that gun, sir, or you ll swamp the
boat. All hands stand by to trim her when he aims.
The squire raised his gun, the rowing ceased, and we leaned over to the
other side to keep the balance, and all was so nicely contrived that we
did not ship a drop.
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