ulwark and looking down into the boat as the watchers gave the
alarm, which would result in a shower of missiles being hurled upon
their heads, the precursors of a heavy shot that would go crashing
through the bottom of the boat. But he was only gazing up at a black
edge and the stars beyond, and just above his head something rugged and
curved which he knew were the anchor's flukes.

Fitz knew that to hesitate was to give place to doubts as to his
success, and that the longer he waited the more likely they were to be
discovered. That no watch was being kept was certain, and rising in the
boat he took hold of the anchor as far up as he could reach, its
ponderous nature rendering it immovable; and drawing himself steadily
upward he began to climb.

It was easy enough to an active lad, and once started there was no time
for shrinking. Quickly enough he was standing first upon the flukes,
then upon the stock, while the next minute he was grasping the port-rail
and trying to look down on to the deck, where he fancied he made out the
figures of three or four men. But everything was so indistinct that he
could not be sure, and he prepared to climb over, when he felt a touch
upon his arm and started violently, for he had forgotten their
arrangement that Poole should bear a part in the disabling of the gun.

He dared not speak, but just gave his companion's arm a grip, slipped
silently over the bulwark, and went down at once on all-fours like a
dog. Poole was by his side directly, and as they knelt, both tried to
make out the exact position of the gun, and both failed, till Fitz
lowered himself a little more, and then repeating his investigation
managed to bring the muzzle of the great piece between him and the
stars, towards which it was pointed, slightly raised.

All was so still, and the deck apparently so deserted, that his task now
seemed to be ridiculously easy; and beginning to creep aft towards the
great carriage, which was planted a little forward of 'midships, one
hand suddenly came into contact with something soft and warm, with the
result that there was an angry snarl, a snap, and a hand was brought
down with a heavy slap upon the deck.

In an instant there was a start, and a low growling voice asked what was
apparently a question as to what was the matter. The response came from
the man who had struck the blow; but what he said was unintelligible to
the listeners, who had immediately shrunk flat upon the d