Commodore Junk — page 132: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ANOTHER ESCAPE. 125 Bart uttered alow, defiant growl, and the bamboo he held quivered in his knotted hands. “ All together, then, mates,” shouted the sailor—“ fire /” Jack uttered a groan as he stood knee-deep in water, run- ning the boat as near as it could be got to his friends, and a mist swam before his eyes. Click—click—click /—and as many tiny showers of sparks were struck in the pans of the pieces. ‘‘Why, you stupid lubbers, you didn’t load!” roared the ailor. “ Now, then, ground arms—load !” A shout of derision arose from Abel and Bart, and the former took up the tone of menace now. “Throw down your muskets, or [ fire,” he cried. “ P’r’aps you're not loaded neither, mate,” cried the sailor, laughing. ‘ Now, lads. Bagnets: charge.” His companions hesitated for a moment, and then, lowering their pieces, they made a rush for those who barred their way to the boat. Bang ! One sharp report. The right-hand sailor span round dropped his musket, stooped down and seized his leg beneath the knee, and dropped into a sitting position upon the sand. ‘‘ Hurt, mate?” cried the first sailor, halting. ‘‘ Leg,” was the laconic reply. ‘¢ Never mind,” cried the first sailor. ‘Come on, mate.” He lowered his piece again, and the two rushed upon Bart and Abel, as brave as lions now in the excitement. These two had taken advantage of the man being wounded to back rapidly toward the boat, lying in the shallow water ; but the sand was heavy, and they had to face the enemy all the time. For the latter came at them with stubborn deter- mination, reached them while they were a good twenty yards from the water, and a fierce fight ensued. CONnnicGloOolk<s =)