Come on now." We emerged through the companion, and I stepped aside as the others rushed by.

There was no shout, no cheer, the fellows seeming to realize the desperate nature of their work, and the importance of surprise.

They were outnumbered five to one, and their only hope of success lay in rendering their opponents helpless before they could rally to a defense.

All the pent-up hate of years was in their hearts, blazed madly in their eyes; they were tigers leaping at the throat of their prey, yet sane enough to comprehend even in their blood-rage that they must act together.

It was over so quickly I scarcely saw it all; my memory now is of a clear sky, a deck almost deserted, its brass work glowing in the sun, the white sails above bellowing out to the pressure of a strong wind, and the blue sea, crested with white, stretching about us in desolate grandeur.