were still in the admiral's cabin. We were often employed in
transcribing his letters and other similar duties, though at the same
time we pursued our nautical studies. Despatches being received from
London, we immediately sailed for our destination. Two days' sail
brought us in sight of the Scilly Islands, slumbering quietly on the
surface of the bright blue ocean. They looked green and pleasant to the
eye, with here and there a few rocky heights rising in their midst, but
in most parts the land was not elevated many feet above the water.
Above the other hills appeared the height on whose summit the Cavaliers
had built a strong castle, which it was our object to capture. Coming
off Saint Mary's, the principal island, we hove to, and the admiral
ordered a boat to be lowered, in which went Robert Blake, and I
accompanied him, bearing a message summoning Sir John Grenville, the
governor, to surrender. Having proceeded up the channel leading to the
fort, we landed, bearing a white flag, and walked on until we reached
the entrance. We were at once admitted, when we had an opportunity of
taking a glance round the fortifications. The castle was filled with
men, a large number being evidently, from their dress and appearance,
officers. They were rollicking-looking gentlemen, and were laughing,
and joking, and amusing themselves at our expense as we passed along.

Sir John Grenville received us with due courtesy. On reading the
summons he replied--

"I might rather demand that Admiral Blake should deliver up his fleet,
but yet I am willing to enter into a treaty, although it should be known
to you that I have a force with me not only sufficient to protect these
islands, but to restore the exiled prince to the throne of his fathers."

"The result will prove that, sir," answered the young lieutenant. "Am I
to inform the admiral that you refuse to deliver up the islands and
their castles to the fleet of the Commonwealth?"

"Certainly such is my intention," answered Sir John, and he bowed us out
of the hall.

We returned unmolested to the boat, and pulled back for the ship. No
sooner had we arrived than the admiral sent for Captain Morris, one of
the most trusted of his commanders, and ordered him to take eight
hundred of the best men from the different ships, and to land at the
back of Tresco, which is next in size to Saint Mary's, and lies close to
it.

Lieutenant Blake and I, with a small body of seamen from o