their own.

"Oh, just wait!" they howled.

Captain Raleigh, in the meantime, had approached Jack and his seconds.

"It is only fair to warn you," he said quietly, "that the man whom you
are to oppose is Tim Harris, champion of the British fleet."

Jack was surprised.

"I didn't know that, sir. I thought he was with the _Queen Elizabeth_."

"Well, he's here; but I didn't know it until a moment ago. It will be
no dishonor to you if you wish to withdraw. A man must be in perfect
trim to stand before Harris."

"Why," said Jack, in surprise, "I can hardly do that now, sir. The men
are depending on me."

Captain Raleigh smiled frankly.

"You are all right, boy," he said. "At your first words I thought you
were afraid. But you cannot hope for victory."

"I always hope for victory, sir, and I shall do my best. I am no
novice."

"Perhaps not; but Harris is almost a professional; in fact, I may say,
a good deal better than many professionals. He is fast for a man of his