down two or three doors."

"What for?"

"To screw up over the skylights, for that is our weak point. The
scoundrels could stand up there and shoot us down or spear us as they
pleased."

"Right!" said Captain Strong shortly. "And while you do that we'll
strengthen the barricade across the door."

"Serve that the same," said the first-mate. "A couple of doors can be
screwed across silently. Then up against them you can plant your chests
and cases and the place will be as firm again."

"Ah, Gregory, you were meant for a soldier!" said the major sadly. "My
word, sir, what a sapper you would have made!"

"And what should I have done for a first-mate?" said the captain
pleasantly.

"Well, we won't stop passing compliments," said the major. "Let's get
to work. You're hurt, captain, so you sit down and give orders to your
boy to lay out the fighting tools. Get 'em all ready, ammunition and
all. Bedad, sir, I haven't had a fight since I was up in the hill
country having a turn at the niggers, and this promises to be a rare
treat."

"I'll have everything ready for your feast, major," said the captain
sadly.

"Hold up, man, and don't talk as if you had lost a half-sovereign, or,
worse still, your ship. Keep a good heart, as I do. Sure, captain,
haven't I got my two darlings on board--and do you think I don't love
them?" he added in a whisper.

The captain's answer was a firm grip of the hand extended to him in the
dark.

"That's it, my boy," whispered the major. "Now, next time you speak try
and forget you are wounded, if you can, and say things cheerily. It
puts heart in your men and yourself too. That's the beauty of being a
soldier, sir. He isn't often called upon to fight; but when he does he
has to take his wounds pleasantly, and set an example to his men by
dying with a smile on his lip and a laugh in his eye."

Meanwhile Mr Gregory had got out the tool-drawer from his chest, and
was busily attacking the lath which kept in place the sliding-door of
his cabin.

It was a toughish task, but with Small and Widgeon for his helpmates he
soon had it off, and before long the two sailors were holding it
crosswise over the saloon sky-light, while Mr Gregory rapidly secured
it in its place with screws.

Another and another was fitted up in a similar way, and all so silently
that very little was heard beyond the heavy breathing of the first-mate
as he drove the screws home.

"There, major!" he whispe