no information about the Armytages. The duties of the
ship, however, gave Ronald ample occupation, so that he had very little
time to think about himself.

Lord Claymore now returned on board in high spirits. He had obtained
his object, and was at once to set to work to prepare the explosion
vessels and fire-ships according to his proposed plan.

"We must, however, part, Morton, I am on many accounts sorry to say," he
observed.

"Indeed, so am I, my lord, to hear you say so," answered Ronald. "I had
hoped to continue with you in the `Imperious' till she was paid off."

"Why, the fact is, my dear Captain Morton, I have got your commission in
my pocket, and appointment to a sixteen-gun sloop-of-war, the
`Scorpion.' I met Courtney at the Admiralty, and he insisted on my
bringing it down to you, it having just been put into his hands by the
first lord. I sincerely congratulate you, though I must say you have
only obtained what you deserve."

Morton's heart bounded. What officer's does not on receiving
unexpectedly his promotion! He thanked Lord Claymore most cordially.

"Come on shore then with me in an hour, and go on board your ship and
take command," said Lord Claymore. "Get her ready for sea as rapidly as
possible. You will accompany me, and I hope before our return we shall
have managed to destroy the whole French fleet."

Ronald begged that Truefitt and Doull might accompany him, a request
that was at once granted; and then he put in a word for Glover, and
asked if he might have him as a first lieutenant.

"Yes, I esteem him; he is a good officer, but I can get a man to fill
his place, who will suit me better," was the answer.

So it was arranged. Ronald went on board and read his commission.
Glover and his two constant followers joined in a few days, and the
"Scorpion" was rapidly got ready for sea.

Two explosion vessels were, in the meantime, being prepared under Lord
Claymore's directions, and ten or a dozen fire-ships. The first were
terrific engines of destruction. Ronald accompanied him on board one of
them. She in the first place contained one thousand five hundred
barrels of gunpowder, in casks, placed on end, and bound tightly
together by stout ropes; the intervening spaces were filled with wet
sand, rammed down with great force, so that the whole formed one solid
mass. On the top of it were placed an immense number of hand grenades
and rockets, and no less than four hundred live sh