am by no means certain that it will succeed. Should it
fail, we shall undoubtedly be boarded, in which case we must fall back
upon cold lead and cold steel, serving out both to the enemy with such
zeal and good will that they shall be anxious only to get back on board
their own craft with the utmost possible expedition. You will all
fight, and fight well, I know--I never yet met with a Briton who would
_not_ fight--but it may perhaps put a little extra vigour into your arms
if I remind you that you will be fighting, not only for yourselves, but
also for the helpless women and children who are sleeping below. Now
muster yourselves, the port watch on the port side of the deck, and the
starboard watch on the starboard side, and Mr Roberts and Mr Forbes
will serve out the arms to you. After which you will hold yourselves
ready to promptly execute such orders as you may receive." The fellows
raised a cheer as I finished speaking, and ranged themselves on either
side of the deck with a steadiness and alacrity of movement that was
very encouraging to me, as indicating a cool and undaunted frame of mind
on their part; and the two mates at once dived below to bring up the
arms and ammunition.

Meanwhile, I walked aft to Sir Edgar, who still retained his chair,
puffing placidly at his cigar, but clearly evincing, by the way he had
slued himself in his seat, and in his observant, listening attitude, the
lively interest he was taking in the proceedings.

As I joined him he rose from his chair and, pitching the glowing stump
of his cigar over the side, said--

"I am going below for my rifle now, captain. And I think that while I
am there I had better awaken my wife and Miss Merrivale, and just give
them a hint of what is impending. The firing is certain to awake them,
if the thunder has not done so already, and I think it will be best that
they should have a clear idea of what is about to happen, or when we
begin firing we may have them rushing on deck in alarm to see what is
the matter. Do not you agree with me?"

"Yes, certainly," said I. "I was about to suggest such a course to you.
But there is every probability of there being some exceedingly warm
work going on here on deck very shortly, and if you will allow me to
express an opinion, it is that it would be decidedly more prudent for
you to remain below and do what you can to encourage the ladies. An
unlucky shot, you know, might--"

"Thanks," interrupted the ba