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158 the bow of the Catalpa. As it ricocheted along, the water flew as high as the masthead. Meanwhile the ship was rolling helplessly, for there was no wind. As the yards bowed to meet the water, her sails flapped and yards creaked. But now a faint breeze filled the sails, and the Catalpa began to make some headway. When she was abeam the Georgette, Colonel Harvest shouted:—

"Heave to!"

"What for?" screamed Captain Anthony in reply.

"You have escaped prisoners aboard that ship."

"You're mistaken," said Captain Anthony.

"There are no prisoners aboard this ship. They're all free men."

The Georgette had a whaleboat on the davits, and the men on the whaleship assumed it was for boarding purposes. Breslin collected the rescued men together, and they determined to resist. While the above colloquy was in progress, Mr. Smith had fitted out the company with cutting spades, whaling guns, and heavy pieces of iron and logs of wood with which to sink the boat if it came alongside.

"I see the men aboard the ship now," yelled Colonel Harvest.

"You're mistaken, sir," returned Captain Anthony. "Get up, men, and show yourselves."

The men walked to the rail. "You can see for yourself they are my crew," said the captain.

"I have telegraphed the American government, and have orders to seize you," was the colonel's next announcement.