his consorts followed his example, and all
three dropped their anchors within a short distance of each other--the
frigate being on the outside. Not a light was allowed to be shown, lest
it might be observed by any sleepless eye on shore--and as little noise
as possible was made, lest any ear might hear it.

The moment the anchors were let go, the boats were got out and manned,
and rapidly collected round the _Ione_.

Fleetwood then summoned the officers, commanding them, into his cabin,
where, on the table, was spread out a rough sketch of the part of the
island across which they would have to proceed, and of the port and
harbour; and he then repeated briefly the plan of the attack, and
assigned to each his particular duties.

The frigate and corvette had each sent two lieutenants; and Linton
insisted on being as well able to undergo the fatigue as his captain;
the rest of the boats were commanded by the mates and midshipmen.
Tompion had the jolly boat, and Jack Raby the gig, while the frigate
sent also her lieutenant of marines to command those of the other
messes.

"Now, gentlemen, you clearly understand my wishes. I will go in first,
and climb to the top of the cliffs, and five minutes afterwards, Mr
Raby, who knows the place well, will lead in the _Tone's_ gig, and show
you the way to follow me, unless I should be attacked; and even then, do
not come to my assistance till I call you. I need scarcely caution you
to preserve the strictest silence among your men to the last moment--
indeed, till we are actually upon the enemy; and could we surround, and
take possession of the tower you see marked there, it would be of the
most vital importance, though I fear the pirates will keep too brisk a
watch to allow us to get thus far without discovery; and now, the
quicker we set about the work the better."

Everybody expressed their full comprehension of Captain Fleetwood's
directions, and he led the way on deck, followed by Colonel Gauntlett
and Mitchell, and descended to his boat. There his big coxswain, Tommy
Small, was waiting for him. Small had charge of the signal rocket,
which the captain had, however, determined not to let off, unless they
were first discovered by the pirates.

One by one the other officers stepped silently into their boats as they
dropped alongside, and, with muffled oars, shoved off after the gig; and
no one, two cables' length off the ships, would have supposed that
nearly two hundred a