g
in the bottom of the boat. When he rose, it was with a musket or
fowling-piece in his hands, which he cocked, and, coming forward to the
bow, levelled towards us.

"Once more," he cried, "and once for all, drop your oars, or I fire
among you."

"I don't believe it is loaded," said Arthur, "or he would have used it
sooner."

"I think it is Frazer's gun," said Morton, "and he fired both barrels
before they murdered him; there has been no time to reload it."

The event showed the truth of these suspicions; for, upon seeing that
his threat produced no effect, Luerson resumed his seat in the bows, the
helm having been given to one of the men not at the oars.

We were now close upon the point, and, as I glanced from our pursuers to
the ship, I began to breathe more freely. They had gained upon us; but
it was inch by inch, and the goal was now at hand. The long-boat,
though pulling eight oars, and those of greater length than ours, was a
clumsier boat than the yawl, and at present heavily loaded; we had
almost held our own with them thus far.

But now Luerson sprang up once more in the bow of the long-boat, and
presented towards us the weapon with which he had a moment before
threatened us; and this time it was no idle menace. A puff of smoke
rose from the muzzle of the piece, and, just as the sharp report reached
our ears, Browne uttered a quick exclamation of pain, and let fall his
oar.

For a moment all was confusion and alarm; but Browne, who had seized his
oar again almost instantly, declared that he was not hurt; that the ball
had merely grazed the skin of his arm; and he attempted to recommence
rowing; before, however, he had pulled half-a-dozen strokes, his right
hand was covered with the blood which streamed down his arm.

I now insisted on taking his oar, and he took my place at the helm.

While this change was being effected, our pursuers gained upon us
perceptibly. Every moment was precious. Luerson urged his men to
greater efforts; the turning point of the struggle was now at hand, and
the excitement became terrible.

"Steer close in; it will save something in distance," gasped Morton,
almost choking for breath.

"Not too close," panted Arthur; "don't get us aground."

"There is no danger of that," answered Morton, "it is deep, off the
point."

Almost as he spoke, a sharp, grating sound was heard, beneath the bottom
of the boat, and our progress was arrested with a suddenness that threw
M