fight with the bugglars, than let them off so easy. They can build a
bridge in five minutes."

There were other obstacles, however, besides the building of the bridge,
that stood in the way of the robbers leaving the cove, that neither Sam
nor Tom knew any thing about; but the former discovered them the instant
he came in sight of the chasm. He stopped, astonished at the scene
before him.

When Josh and Bill went into the cove to release Jed, they had built a
bridge of saplings, by the aid of which the storming party was about to
invade the governor's stronghold. Midshipman Richardson was half-way
across the bridge, and Johnny Harding, who had armed himself with a
heavy club, was preparing to follow the young officer as soon as he was
safely over. Behind Johnny stood the young tars, leaning on their
muskets, one of them holding a powerful dark lantern, which rendered
objects in the vicinity of the bridge as plainly visible as though it
had been broad daylight. The chief saw and comprehended, and a smile of
exultation lighted up his face, but speedily gave way to an expression
of alarm. There was some satisfaction in knowing that the robbers could
not leave the cove, and that he and his band might yet have an
opportunity to secure the valise and its contents; but there was little
to be found in the knowledge of the fact that he was on the point of
being attacked by a force that outnumbered his two to one. Sam
recognized the midshipman, and knew instinctively that something was
going to happen. The fight in the harbor had taught him that the young
officer was an unpleasant fellow to have about.

"Ah, Mr. Barton, we 're glad to see you," said Richardson, when he had
recovered from his surprise. "You are just the man we are looking for.
You may consider yourself a prisoner--you and your villainous companions
there. Your harboring place is completely surrounded, and you will save
yourselves trouble if you surrender at once."

"Jerusalem!" exclaimed Will Atkins, looking about him, as if seeking
some avenue of escape. As he did so, his eyes rested on the pile of
stones which he and Jack Spaniard had collected to defend their
breastwork against the assaults of the governor, and a bright idea
struck him. "Sam," he whispered, "let's heave them rocks at him, an'
drive him back, an' then throw down the bridge."

The chief was prompt to act upon the suggestion. He and Atkins sprang
behind the breastwork, and, before the midsh