very much
astonished when he saw a body of marines drawn up on the opposite side
of the deck, who in a few seconds would have sent him and his guard of
honour flying headlong into the water had they shown any hostile
intentions.

Of this the two-sworded official was evidently very well aware, judging
by the nervous expression on his countenance. As soon as he could find
an excuse for doing so--glad enough to get out of the ship--he hurried
away. Before he was half-way down the companion ladder, the admiral
hoisted the signal to the squadron to get up steam and to be ready to
weigh anchor at a moment's notice. The reason of his doing so was
evident, for it was seen that the Japanese had been training their guns
to bear directly on the squadron, under the belief that they were going
to remain where they were, to be shot at.

The admiral then issued another order, directing five of the smaller
vessels of the squadron to proceed up the gulf and take possession of
the three steamers which had been discovered by the boats.

"We shall have some fun now, at all events," exclaimed Tom to Desmond,
who, with himself and a boat's crew, had been sent on board one of the
gun-boats short of hands. "If they do not fight they will run, and we
shall have the amusement of making chase. It will be better fun than
battering away at the walls, which, in my opinion, is a sort of work
affording very little satisfaction to any one."

The men-of-war, immediately getting under way, proceeded up the gulf.
They steamed on at full speed, and soon came in sight of the three
Japanese steamers, which, however, showed no inclination either to fight
or run away. This was somewhat of a disappointment. No sooner did the
men-of-war approach, then they hauled down their flags and tamely
submitted to be carried off, when they were brought to, just out of
range of the guns of the fort, their crews and other persons found on
board being taken out of them.

"The admiral is speaking to us, sir," said Desmond, who was acting as
signal midshipman on board the _Empress_.

Captain Rogers quickly turned over the leaves of the signal book.
"Engage north battery, until signal to form line of battle is thrown
out." Jack immediately gave the order to slip the cable, and steam
having been got up, the ship moved away towards the spot she was
directed to occupy, opening her fire without loss of time on the
battery, which replied in earnest, with well-directed