Page:Life of John Boyle O'Reilly.djvu/204

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166
JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY.

parley awhile with her, then steam in toward the shore, making a complete circuit around the boat without perceiving it.

Another enemy was also in sight, the coast-guard boat, which went out toward the Catalpa as the Georgette came back from her, thus intending to head off the fugitives wherever they might be. The men in the whaleboat again hoisted their little sail and made for the ship, which at last sighted and bore down toward them. As it did so, the coast-guard boat also discovered the boat and made sail in the hope of intercepting it. So close was the race that the Catalpa, reaching the boat first, did not wait for the passengers to swarm up the sides, but lowering the falls, grappled it fore and aft, and hoisted boat, men, and all on board.

Immediately Breslin and his men went below, where they armed themselves, with the full determination not to be taken alive. The coast-guard boat drew off after witnessing the escape and identifying several of the prisoners.

"We have not done with you yet," shouted the inspector of the water police, as Captain Anthony, turning to Breslin, said, "What now, Mr. Collins?" "Put to sea," was the answer, and the captain thundered out, "'Bout ship; put to sea."

At 6.30 on the following morning the Catalpa was overhauled by the Georgette, which fired a shot across her bows.

The captain of the Georgette spoke through his trumpet, "Heave to."

Captain Anthony answered, "What for? "

The steamer replied, "You have six Crown prisoners on board."

Anthony answered, "I have no prisoners here."

"May I come on board?" was the next question from the Georgette.

Anthony quickly sent back the answer, "No, sir."

"I see the prisoners on the deck," came from the steamer.