e of his high spirits, the
feeling that he might at any moment be led out and shot was telling upon
him. The two officers and Jack did their best to encourage him, and,
under the circumstances, it was wonderful how he kept up. In the
evening the gaoler appeared with their usual fare.

"There will be one less of you to feed to-morrow," he growled out,
looking at Le Duc, "and I can't say but that you five others mayn't have
to join him company, for while the firing party are out it is as easy to
shoot six as one."

Le Duc made no answer, but bent his head down on his manacled hands. It
was the first sign of deep emotion he had exhibited.

"I hope the fellow is only trying to alarm you for the purpose of
exercising his own bad feelings," said Rayner, after the surly gaoler
had gone.

Again left in darkness, they prepared to pass another disagreeable
night. Rayner felt that their position was critical in the extreme. He
and his companions, accused as they were of being spies, might be led
out at any moment and shot. He therefore considered it his duty to
prepare his companions as best he could for the worst. Oliver he knew
was as ready to die as he was himself. He spoke earnestly and
faithfully to the others, pointing out the unspeakable importance of
being prepared to stand in the presence of the Judge of all men. He was
thankful to hear Jack's reply, which expressed the simple hope of the
Christian--faith in Christ as a Saviour; but the other two were silent.

After Rayner and his companions had talked for some time they stretched
themselves on the bench to try and obtain some sleep. That was more
easily sought for than found, for no sooner were they quiet than
countless creatures began to sting, and bite, and crawl over them. Tom
was continually slapping himself, and moaning and groaning.

But, in spite of their hard stone couches and the attacks of the
insects, they did manage to drop off occasionally.

Rayner's eyes had been closed some time when he was awakened by the dull
roar of a gun fired from seaward. He started up, as did his companions.

"Where did that come from?" exclaimed Oliver.

Before Rayner could answer, the sound of eight or nine guns, a sloop's
whole broadside, was heard, followed by the crash of the shot as they
struck the fortification.

In an instant the whole fort was in an uproar, the officers shouting
their orders to the men, and the men calling to each other, as they
rush