CHAPTER IX

THE BURNING JUNK At midnight, Annesley "took over his trick" as junior watchkeeper. From Grahame, who was Officer of the Watch, he learned that when the junk had been rammed one of the Chinamen had made a spring for the _Hermione's_ bows, and had succeeded in clambering aboard. "He seemed to be the only Chink who exerted himself to save his life," commented Peter. "We got a couple of them, but two more simply let themselves go down with the craft. Quaint lot these chaps. Has the Owner interviewed the survivors?"…