howl-pin into the fellow's
mouth, effectually gagging him, and, I fear, half-choking him at the
same time. We next lashed him, neck and heels together, in such a way
that he could not possibly move, and then set about spiking the guns,
passing the word along at the same time.

A distinct clinking, notwithstanding the leather facing to the hammers,
on the right wing told me that all was going favourably in that quarter,
and in another minute the work was effectually done. I was extremely
anxious during that minute, for the sound of the hammers smote upon my
excited ear like the sharp strokes of a bell. It soon ceased, however,
and as everything remained quiet at the barrack-buildings, it seemed
that the clinking had not been loud enough to reach the ears of the
sleepers therein. Giving the sentry on the right wing an overhaul to
see that he, like his comrade was all safe, I immediately withdrew the
spikers, and picking up the other party in our retreat we silently made
the best of our way to the beach, which we safely reached in about a
quarter of an hour, and, jumping into our boat, pulled cheerily out to
seaward.

It had by this time grown just sufficiently light to enable us to see
the frigate looming like a seventy-four about a mile to windward. They
were evidently on the lookout for us on board her, for we had scarcely
shoved the boat's nose clear of the point before we saw the beautiful
craft sweep gracefully round and run down toward us. She came as close
in as the skipper dared bring her, and then hove-to. In ten minutes
afterwards we were on board and the boat hoisted up.

"Well, Ralph," said Captain Annesley, as I went up the side and touched
my hat, "what news?"

"We've carried out your orders to the letter, sir," I replied. "We have
surprised the battery, and, without giving the slightest alarm to the
French frigate, have spiked the ten thirty-six pounders which it
mounts."

"Thirty-sixes, eh!" said he. "I thought they had the look of heavy
metal when I saw them through the telescope yesterday. Why, at their
elevation, and at so short a range, they would have sunk us before we
could get out again, had we attempted to go in there without first
silencing them. Thank you, Mr Chester; you have performed a difficult
and most important service with equal skill and courage, and I shall
have great pleasure in representing as much to the admiral."

Here was a feather in my cap. However, I had no tim