Nevertheless, it was
so, and the Commodore did not see his way out of it.
"Permit me, sir," said Captain Runacles, stepping forward, "to add my
assurance, if such be needed, that Captain Barker is a man of his
word."
The Commodore essayed gentler tactics.
"Listen, monsieur!" he called down.
"Go away!"
"I have the pleasure to announce to you that you shall meet only with
such treatment as your bravery deserves. Dismiss all apprehension of
imprisonment--"
At this point he skipped backwards with such violence as to knock a
couple of sailors sprawling. A bullet had embedded itself in the
timbers at his feet.
He determined to use summary measures, and ordered twelve grenadiers,
with fixed bayonets, to advance to the cabin door, break it open, and
overpower the Englishman.
The twelve men advanced as they were bidden. The sergeant was
half-way down the ladder, with his detachment at his heels, when the
report of a musket was heard and down he dropped with a ball in his
leg. The grenadiers hesitated. Another shot followed. It was
pretty clear that the besieged man had plenty of firearms loaded and
ready. They scrambled up the steps again. "It was all very well,"
they said; "but as they could only advance in single file, exposing
their legs before they could use their arms, the Englishman from
behind his barricade could shoot them down like sheep.
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