36 LEAVES FROM A GAIVIE BOOK. 



them to row gently back over the course they had 

 come, so that he might pick up and of course capture 

 both net and fish ! Rather a rash order for one man to 

 give to two big, powerful fellows, who, however, seeing 

 that their companions were already caught, and perhaps 

 somewhat taken aback at the unconcerned coolness of 

 their captor, proceeded to obey sullenly ; when, however, 

 they had pulled a short distance. Hunt saw the bow oar 

 give the stroke a significant dig in the ribs, which sign 

 was instantly followed by both men reversing their 

 hands and clearly preparing to club oars and knock 

 their captor senseless, or push him into the sea. Then 

 Hunt's hand flew to his breast-pocket, and the long 

 shining barrel of the revolver flashed in the moonlight 

 as he levelled it straight in the face of the nearest 

 ruflian, while in stern business-like tones he was told 

 that the smallest movement indicative of violence would 

 for certain bring a bullet crashing through his head. 

 Completely overawed by the Captain's resolute bearing, 

 the two men in sulky silence finished their uncongenial 

 task, and as they reached the shore, they were promptly 



