Again Dave attempted a rush, then reformed his men, this time not more than two hundred and fifty feet from the stern of the launch.
"Riley!" "Aye, aye, sir!" "You will take command here.

I must see to the safety of our passengers." "Aye, aye, sir." "Fire when you think best, but do not let the men waste ammunition.
We have but a hundred rounds apiece." "I know it, sir." Then Dave dashed down to the wharf, just before which stood Corporal Ross looking the picture of disappointment.

He had hoped for permission to open fire.
Ensign Darrin and John Carmody ran to the launch together.

Aided by Coxswain Schmidt, Hicks had done his work well, placing the women and children flat along the bottom of the craft, where they were little likely to be found by flying bullets.
Again the fire had slackened.

Dave stood with the marines, peering into the blackness beyond.
"Can't you call in your party and make a quick dash down the lagoon ?" inquired John Carmody, approaching, a rifle still gripped by one hand and a cartridge-belt thrown over one shoulder.
"We can't travel fast in the lagoon, sir," Dave answered, "and Cosetta's men can run as fast along the shore, keeping up a fire that would be more deadly when we're crowded together aboard the launch.