tance in Nottingham had sent a request for an
interview.

When the commander arose to his feet, after settling the question as
to whether we should be prepared to defend ourselves in case the
occasion required, I started up the companion-way stairs, beckoning
for Jerry to follow.

Darius Thorpe, although he had been only a sailor, understood somewhat
of manners among people of gentility, and he saluted properly--which
we had forgotten to do--while awaiting an opportunity to ascend the
stairs.

It was as if we no longer had an existence, so far as Commodore Barney
was concerned. We were not yet out of the cabin when he called an
orderly to say that he would see such or such a man immediately, and
began turning over papers on his table without even glancing in our
direction.

Once on board the Avenger I stopped to face my comrades, thinking that
now has come the time we should discuss the matter which was of such
vital importance to ourselves; but Darius said impatiently:

"Why do you stop here, lad? Give the word for gettin' under way, so
the commodore may see we know how to obey in sailorman fashion, an' if
there's any talkin' to be done we'll have plenty of time for tongue
waggin' while runnin' down the river."

"But surely you're not proposing that we shall start without knowing
where we are going, or what is to be done?" I cried, showing quite as
much impatience as he had.

"That's jest what I do propose! We can whittle out a plan while the
pungy is slippin' down stream, as well as if she was made fast here."

"But what about Jim Freeman and his party?"

"There's no reason why they shouldn't go with us; six isn't any too
many for the crew of an oysterman."

"But do you count on taking them without first explaining the
situation? It strikes me that when a fellow sets about that which may
put his neck in a halter, he is entitled to something by way of an
understanding."

"If that's all which blocks our makin' sail, I'll soon put an end to
it," and Darius beckoned to Jim and his friends, who were standing
well forward that they might not seem to be listening to that which
possibly was not intended for their ears.

The lads came aft quickly, knowing full well by the expression on our
faces that something serious was afoot, and the old man said bluntly:

"The commodore wants us to spy on the British fleets. If we're caught
on their anchorage, or nosin' around the ships, pretendin' to be what
we're not, i