a boy there--
that young rascal who came after the cow. I owe him such a thrashing
that I must have a turn at him."

"Ah, that's different," said the lieutenant; "and it will keep up
appearances. But take care to confine yourself to fighting with him.
And--er--I would not use my pistol, Raystoke."

"Not shoot, sir?"

"Well--no. I want to destroy this wasps' nest, but in as merciful a way
as possible. I have given orders to the men, and I wish you to mind
too--I don't want to kill the wasps, but to make them prisoners."

"Yes, sir, I see."

"They are not French wasps, or Dutch wasps, but English. You
understand?"

"Quite, sir."

"That's right. Another hour and you may be off. You think you can find
the place?"

"I do not feel a doubt about it, sir."

"Well, it's going to be a dark night, and you and Mr Gurr will have to
be careful over your men. You had better keep as close to the cliff as
you can, for, of course, the entrance must be somewhere near. I have
given Mr Gurr full instructions. You are to search and find the place,
and if found hold it, but if you do not find it you will be back on
board by daybreak, and another expedition must be made by day. If we
can surprise them by night, when they think all is safe, it may save
bloodshed. If we are obliged to go by day, they will have good warning,
and be prepared to receive us, though they may be now. I wish I was
going with you, but that cannot be."

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX.

Everything was arranged on board, so that no watcher armed with a glass
who scanned the ship should suspect that an expedition was on hand; but
as soon as it was dark the men were ordered into two boats, one
commanded by Gurr, with whom was Archy, the other by the boatswain, only
leaving a very small crew on board with the lieutenant. Then they
pushed off, rowing with muffled oars, and keeping right away from the
cliffs, so that any watcher there should have no indication of their
passing.

The quiet little cove was still a couple of miles away, when Archy
suddenly touched the master's arm as he sat there holding his cutlass.

"Yes; what is it?"

For answer the midshipman leaned forward, and pointed to where, far back
and apparently opposite to the cutter, a couple of faint lights could be
seen high up and away from the cliff.

"Humph! Lights," said Gurr; "but they may be up at some cottage. What
do you think?"

"I thought they might be signals."

"Well, my