Irving Hancock

“ Why the devil should I lie to for boarders? "The Sea King's master will soon learn," was Carrick's grim word.
The answer flashed back:
Because we carry cannon, which you will see our crew uncovering. If you don't lie to immediately we shall be obliged to sink you, with your crew and passengers. If you have any regard for the lives intrusted to you, you will obey at once. You are dealing with Mexicans, who will spare or destroy you, as you merit. ”

“ As the two sailors sprang in, the launch turned and put silently out to sea.
"And now," observed the Hound, producing pipe and pouch, "I propose to enjoy a smoke."
The doctor preferred to roll a cigarette. They lit up with shielded matches, keeping their faces turned westward that the glows might not attract attention from shore.
"Straight out for five miles," directed the Hound. "Then return to ship."
That was done. In a little more than an hour Carrick and Doctor Fleming found themselves ascending the side gangway of the Vulcan, while Captain Mulford stood on deck to receive them. ”

“ Every minute brought the Vulcan closer to the spot where the Budzibu lay to, while, half a mile to the southwest of her, the Sea King lay, motionless, on the waters. Two-thirds of the way from the Sumatran yacht to the liner, two launches rode the water. They contained a total of some fifty men, lascars and Chinese, as it afterward proved. Carrick and Fleming could realize the way the Sea King's decks would run blood to the scuppers if once this piratical crew got foothold on board. ”