ed. You see, we have come by two
headlands, and we have only got to row back to the north to come sooner
or later in sight of landmarks that we know."

"Then give way, my lads," said Fitz; "a fair long steady stroke, for the
skipper must be getting terribly uncomfortable about us, Poole, eh?"

"Yes. Pull your best, boys. What do you say, Fitz, to taking an oar
each for a bit? I'm chilly, and a good way from being dry."

"Good idea," said Fitz, changing places with one of the men. "You'll
keep a sharp look-out, boatswain. The enemy may come into sight at any
moment as we round these points, and even if she daren't come close in,
she may send after us with her boats."

"Trust me for that, sir," said the boatswain, and the oars began to dip,
with the sun soon beginning to show tokens of its coming appearance, and
sending hope and light into every breast.

It was a glorious row, the chill of the night giving place to a pleasant
glow which set the lads talking merrily, discussing the darkness through
which they had passed, the events of the night, and their triumphant
success.

"If we could only see that gunboat ashore, Burnett!" cried Poole.

"Ah," said Fitz, rather gravely; "if we only could!" And then he
relapsed into silence, for thoughts began to come fast, and he found
himself wondering what Commander Glossop would say if he could see him
then and know all that he had done in the night attack.

"I couldn't help it," the boy said to himself, as he pulled away. "I
shouldn't wonder if he would have done precisely the same if he had been
in my place. I feel a bit sorry now; but that's no good. What's done
can't be undone, and I shan't bother about it any more."

"Now, Mr Burnett, sir," said the boatswain, in a tone full of
remonstrance, "don't keep that there oar all day. Seems to me quite
time you took your trick at the wheel."

"Yes," said the lad cheerily; "I am beginning to feel precious stiff,"
and he rose to exchange seats with the speaker, Poole rising directly
afterwards for the carpenter to take his place.

"I'd keep a sharp look-out for'ard along the coast, Mr Burnett, sir,"
said the boatswain, with a peculiar smile, as the lad lifted the lines.

"Oh yes, of course," cried Fitz, gazing forward now, and then uttering
an ejaculation: "Here, Poole! Look! Why didn't you speak before,
Butters?"

"Because I thought you'd like to see it fust, sir. Yes, there she lies,
just beyond that headla