CHAPTER XX
ON BOARD THE FLAGSHIP "OLYMPIA"
It was not long before the great engines of the Olympia came to a stop, the flagship slowed up, and from the starboard side a small boat was lowered, manned by a petty officer and a dozen bronzed jackies, as man-o'-war men are familiarly termed. The oars were straight up in the air, but at the word of command they fell into the ocean's brine, and the boat set off for the unfortunates.
"Boat ahoy!" shouted Striker, feebly, for previous cries had exhausted his wind. "You jest about come in the nick o' time. We was thinkin' very seriously o' engagin' rooms in Davy Jones' locker afore ye hove in sight."
A smile went the rounds of the sailors, but not a word was said, as it would have been against the rule. "Steady, men! a stroke more," commanded the petty officer, and the small boat slowed up and sheered alongside of the upturned Treasure, "Are you two able to climb in?" he went on.
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