And now, as they drew nearer, Archy saw that his first surmise was right: Ram was in the boat, and right forward, his red cap showing out plainly in the morning light.

Jemmy Dadd was there too, and Shackle, beside the big dark fellow who had tricked the lieutenant, while the rest of the crew were strong-looking fellows of the fisherman type.
"Now then there!" shouted Gurr, rising up, but retaining his hold of the tiller with one hand.

"It's of no use.

Surrender!" A yell of derision came from the boat, and Ram jumped up and waved his red cap, with the effect that it seemed as if some of the dye had been transferred to Archy's face, which a minute sooner had been rather pale with excitement.
"Pull, my lads, pull, and you'll have them before they land!" cried the master, stamping his foot.

"Here, take the tiller, Mr Raystoke;" and he shifted his position, passed the tiller to Archy, and stood up and drew his sword.
"Starboard a little--starboard!" he said.