as returned till the brig was pretty well
out of their reach.

The rest of the crew now came on deck, and gave a loud cheer at the
success of their exploit; they had not, however, escaped altogether, one
had been killed and two wounded below, a shot entering the gunroom had
also killed the clerk in charge, and slightly wounded Jos Green.

Though the brig had passed the partly-formed batteries, she was not
altogether free from danger. Troops of flying artillery were observed
moving along at the top of the cliffs, accompanied by a body of
infantry. Though the brig had a strong breeze, as the current was
against her, she advanced but at a comparatively slow rate, the troops
above getting along almost as fast as she did. A shower of grape from
the carronades and a couple of rockets sent into their midst made them,
however, sheer off to a respectful distance, and the gallant little
_Supplejack_ continued her course without being further molested.

The dead were sewn up in their hammocks with shot at their feet, and
lowered into the deep stream, as there was no prospect of being able to
bury them on shore. Jos Green made light of his wound, as he did of
every other trouble in life, and Jack felt thankful, considering the hot
fire to which the brig had been exposed, that more casualties had not
occurred.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

THE MIDSHIPMEN SEEN ON THE SHORE--A BOAT SENT FROM THE BRIG--THE ENEMY
APPEAR ON THE CLIFFS AND OPEN FIRE--THE BRIG RETURNS IT--THE MIDSHIPMEN
RESCUED--THE BRIG GETS CLEAR OF THE ENEMY--TOM RECOUNTS HIS AND GERALD'S
ADVENTURES.

Evening was approaching, all hands had been busy repairing damages, the
carpenters below stopping shot-holes, the rest of the crew on deck
knotting and splicing the rigging. Some way ahead was seen a lofty
bluff with a range of cliffs, which, the chart showed, extended far
along the shore; a shoal ran off it, so the brig had of necessity to
steer some distance over to the opposite bank.

As had been done all along, a vigilant lookout was kept for any object
moving on the western side. Needham's keen eye was employed in the
service; he felt a sincere affection for the youngsters, and longed to
recover them almost as much as did their relatives. Just abreast of the
brig appeared a shallow valley with a stream in the middle, and trees
growing on either side, reaching down to the edge of the water; Needham
was examining the spot with even more than his usual care.