ter; we may perhaps save our lives in the confusion."

It was a sight to see the satisfied grin that shone out on each of the
rough fellows' faces, upon finding that their ideas were taken. It was
as if each had grown taller, and they smiled at each other and at the
young officer in a most satisfied way. Hilary did not know it; but that
stroke of involuntary policy on his part had raised him enormously in
the estimation of the crew; and the little council being dissolved, it
was wonderful with what alacrity they set to work.

For the gunner's plan was at once adopted, and in perfect silence a bed
of chests was raised up close beneath the fore-hatchway, whose ladder
was cautiously removed. On this pile were placed hammocks, and again
upon these short planks, so that the flat surface was close up to the
square opening that led from the forecastle on deck.

"You see, sir, the charge won't leave much room to strike sidewise,"
said the gunner, as he helped to get all ready, ending by emptying the
bags of powder that formed four charges for the long gun. These he
rolled up in a handkerchief, tied it pretty tightly, and before putting
it in place he made a hole in it, so that some of the powder would
trickle out on to the smooth plank.

This being done, he laid a train from it to the end of the plank, made a
slow-match with some wet powder and a piece of paper, and finished by
raising the planks by stuffing blankets under them at Hilary's
suggestion, till the powder charge was right up in the opening of the
hatch, surrounded by the coamings, and the planks rested up against the
deck.

"If that there don't fetch 'im off, I'm a Dutchman," said Billy Waters.
"Here, just you keep that there lantern back, will you," he cried to the
corporal of marines; "we don't want her fired before her time."

"Yes, that will do," cried Hilary. "There, stand by, my lads, and the
moment the charge is fired make a dash for it with the ladder, and up
and clear the deck whether I lead you or no."

There was something in those words that the men could not then
understand, but they did as the gunner declared all to be ready.

"Hush! silence, my lads," cried Hilary. "Away aft, and all lie down.
Now, Waters, give me the lantern."

"I'll fire the train, sir. I'm gunner," said the man.

"No, no," replied Hilary, "that is my task."

"But, if you please, sir, you might get hit, and then--"

"Silence, sir! I'll fire the train," cried Hila