two bluejackets grope for their poles,
and plunge them into the water. Then one of them came to his side.

"About two feet of water, and three of mud," he said. "If we was to go
over the side, we couldn't swim, and the mud would hold us. What about
putting something at the end of the poles, sir? Something that wouldn't
sink so easily. How'd a couple of kegs do?"

Dick thought for a moment. Then he went to the tiny cabin, and
unmasking a lamp, peered closely at the stores. Thanks to the
generosity of those in charge of the commissariat, a liberal supply of
provisions of a mixed character had been handed over to the expedition,
and amongst these stores were some kegs of biscuits. Our hero gave vent
to a whistle.

"Bring the two poles down here," he said, as a head was thrust into the
cabin. "And let all stand round, so as to hide the light should it
show. Now, my lad, rip off the top of this keg."

One of the sailors had his cutlass out in a moment, and soon contrived
to get the lids off two of the kegs, and the contents were poured into
an empty provision box.

"Now, how are we to make them fast?" asked Dick. "You ought to know
better than I."

He looked at the sailors and waited their reply, while they stared at
the kegs, uncertain how to act, for it is no easy matter to attach an
article of this kind to the end of a pole.

"With a bit of rope and a good fire I'd do it in half an hour," said one
of the men at length. "Yer see, by rights, sir, we ought to have a step
at the bottom of the keg, and lash the end of a pole down on to it. But
yer can't do that 'cause a step needs hammerin', and that 'ud warn the
enemy if he's hereabouts. But we've a fire, and a stoking bar, and that
'ud make a fine drill. With a hole through the centre of the lid and
the bottom, we could push the pole through, and take a turn of the rope
round above and below the keg. That would keep all in place and
ship-shape."

"Then we'll get to the engine," said Dick, promptly. "Bring the kegs
and poles while I douse the light. Now, you men," he went on, as he
came out on the deck, "stand round the engine well while we finish the
job. Johnnie, get that bar heated."

Some twenty minutes later the four holes had been drilled, and the poles
pushed through, and secured with rope. Then the two sailors took their
station on the bows, while the remainder went aft. The propeller was
reversed at full speed, while the kegs were plac