"By the way, Captain," said Frank, "do you fear the raider will attack
us?"

"She will if she knows we are around," declared the captain grimly.

"And we are not prepared to fight her, sir?" asked Frank.

"Hardly," said the captain quietly.

"What's your crew?" demanded Jack.

"First, second and third officers, chief engineer, assistant and forty
men," was the reply.

"And nothing worth while to shoot with," grinned Frank.

The captain brought his hand down hard upon the table.

"No!" he bellowed. "And still with these pirates sailing the seas, the
American government won't allow us to carry guns big enough to do any
damage."

"Well, we'll hope for the best," said Frank, rising.

The lads made their way on deck.