At that everybody hastily stood back.

I took as good aim as the motion of the schooner would permit; though I think I should have done better had not Palmleaf just at that moment sang out, "Dinner, sar!" from behind.

I pulled the trigger, however.

There was a stunning crack; and so smart a recoil, that I was pushed half round sidewise with amazing spitefulness.

The old chest rolled back, whirled round, and upset against the bulwarks on the other side.