I followed mechanically, and jumped after him, just as the major had reached the window.

A ball whizzed by me, that soon determined my further movements; so, putting on all speed, I flew down the street, turned the corner, and regained the hotel breathless and without a hat, while Sparks arrived a moment later, pale as a ghost, and trembling like an aspen-leaf.
"Safe, by Jove!" said Sparks, throwing himself into a chair, and panting for breath.
"Safe, at last," said I, without well knowing why or for what.
"You've had a sharp run of it, apparently," said Power, coolly, and without any curiosity as to the cause; "and now, let us on board; there goes the trumpet again.

The skipper is a surly old fellow, and we must not lose his tide for him." So saying, he proceeded to collect his cloaks, cane, etc., and get ready for departure..