he ocean, the sails bulged out, and the _Supplejack_ began to slip
through the water. She soon reached the boat, which was picked up, and
then, making all sail, she sped onwards towards Carthagena. The glory
of Carthagena, like that of many another place in those regions, has
departed, though in appearance picturesque as in days of yore, situated
on several islets, with green trees rising amid its towers and spires--
backed by its citadel and curiously-shaped hill, with the Popa convent
like the high stern of a ship on the top. The town itself is surrounded
by walls and batteries which look not a little formidable at a distance.
Formidable though they might be, Murray resolved that they should not
prevent him from carrying out his intentions.

In a short time the corvette was seen at anchor in the outer harbour.
Desmond and Needham had completely recovered, and begged to be allowed
to land and act as guides, should the boats be sent on shore.

"I scarcely think that they will attempt to interfere with us," said
Lieutenant Murray, "but it is as well to be ready. Have all clear for
action, Mr Higson."

"Ay, ay, sir!" answered Higson, giving the necessary orders with no
little satisfaction. "I only hope that they will dare to set up their
backs; we'll show them what our long gun and two short bull-dogs can
do," he said, as he went along the deck. The men were eager for a
fight, as British sailors always are, though they mustered all told only
sixty men, officers and crew included.

The breeze was somewhat light, but sufficient to give the brig good
steerage way. Before, however, attempting to use force, Lieutenant
Murray determined to try pacific measures. He accordingly hove the brig
to outside the mouth of the harbour, a boat was lowered and manned, and
he directed Higson, accompanied by Desmond, to go on board the corvette,
and demand of the Carthagenan commodore the instant liberation of the
prisoners. "Should he refuse, you are to go on shore and communicate
with the consul, and then return on board as soon as possible," he
added. Higson replied that he perfectly understood his instructions,
and with no small satisfaction at the prospect of something to do,
shoved off from the brig's side. Needham, who went as one of the crew,
had described how they had been treated; and it was the general belief
that the commodore would give them an opportunity of teaching him and
his countrymen better manners. "The co