The boat bumped up against the derelict. Sir Shillingsworth jumped out and fastened the rope, then helped Cal on board. The rowers handed them the bags of coal and the thin metal sheathing Cal hoped would shield the deck long enough to get the cannon up to pressure. Last came a mess of rope and blocks Thomas had put in the boat.

"All right, get back to the ship before dark. You were fine all the way here; you'll be safe on the way back."

The sailors saluted, then spun ...