king to stand the first watch of two hours, while
Dick agreed to take the second.

When, at ten o'clock, Marshall aroused Dick, in order that the latter
might stand his watch, the Captain whispered:

"I've been thinking about a good many things while I have been sitting
here these two hours agone in the stern-sheets of this boat. And, among
other matters, I have thought that it might be very useful to know
something more than we do about those two batteries that we took notice
of while we were on the point yonder to-day. Now, I'm not a bit sleepy.
I don't believe I could get to sleep if I tried--also the night is
delightfully cool; and, although the moon has gone down, the stars give
quite enough light for my purpose, therefore, I am going to take a
little walk along the shore to that battery on the beach. It can't be
very much more than two miles away; and night is the only time when it
will be possible to examine the forts without running too much risk. If
I do not feel too tired I'll take that fort on the top of the hill on my
way back; so if I do not return until close before daybreak you need not
be unduly alarmed."

"Very well, sir," answered Dick. "We will keep a bright lookout. And
if by any chance things should go amiss, and you should be pursued, if
you will fire two pistol shots, one close after the other, I will come,
with one of the men, to meet you, provided, of course, that we are
within hearing of the shots."

"Yes; you may do that--if you hear the signal shots," agreed Marshall.
"But," he added, "I shall need to be very hard pressed indeed to fire my
pistols. For shots at night-time anywhere near a battery would be
certain to put everybody on the alert, and probably bring a bigger
hornet's nest about my ears than you and all hands could beat off.
Still, if I want help very badly I shall know what to do. And now, I'll
be off. Keep a sharp lookout, and don't allow yourself to be surprised.
Good night!" As Dick murmured an answering "Good night" the Captain
turned and disappeared in the darkness.

All through the night a careful watch was maintained, but nothing in the
slightest degree alarming occurred; and about an hour before daybreak
Captain Marshall returned, having accomplished his mission to his own
complete satisfaction.

"I had no difficulty whatever," he explained to Dick, "nor did I
encounter a single soul; indeed I am strongly of opinion that the
island, or at least the souther