The major came staggering back.

But quicker than he, "Captain Alden" was at the Master's side.
"He shot you ?" the woman cried, pointing.
"Bah! A splinter of glass!" And the Master shook off the blood with a twitch of his head.

"That was a neat bull's-eye you made on him, Captain.

It saves you from punishment for forgetting you were under arrest; for climbing the ladder and coming above-decks.

Yes--I've got to rescind my order.