and it was evident that, however gallant the defence, the
fort could not much longer resist.

All day long, signals had been kept flying for the fleet, two miles
below, to come up to the fort; but although these could be plainly
seen, not a ship weighed anchor.

Chapter 18: The "Black Hole" Of Calcutta.

When the fire of the enemy slackened, Charlie went to Mr. Holwell.

"It is impossible, sir," he said, "that the fort can hold out; for in
another three or four days, the whole of the garrison will be killed.
The only hope of safety is for the ships to come up, and remove the
garrison, which they can do without the slightest danger to
themselves. If you will allow me, sir, I will swim down to the ships,
and represent our situation. Cowardly and inhuman as Mr. Drake has
proved himself, he can hardly refuse to give orders for the fleet to
move."

"I don't know," said Mr. Holwell. "After the way in which he has
behaved, there are no depths of infamy of which I believe him
incapable. But you are my right hand here. Supposing Mr. Drake
refuses, you could not return."

"I will come back, sir," Charlie answered. "I will, if there be no
other way, make my way along by the river bank. It is comparatively
free of the enemy, as our guns command it. If you will place Mr.
Haines at the corner bastion, with a rope, he will recognize my voice,
and I can regain the fort."

Mr. Holwell consented, and as soon as it was perfectly dark, Charlie
issued out at the watergate, took off his coat, waistcoat, and boots,
and entered the stream. The current was slack, but he had no
difficulty in keeping himself afloat until he saw, close ahead of him,
the lights of the ships.

He hailed that nearest him. A rope was thrown, and he was soon on
board. Upon stating who he was, a boat was at once lowered, and he was
taken to the ship upon which Mr. Drake and Captain Minchin had taken
refuge. Upon saying that he was the bearer of a message from the
gentleman now commanding the fort, he was conducted to the cabin,
where Mr. Drake and Captain Minchin, having finished their dinner,
were sitting comfortably over their wine with Captain Young, the
senior captain of the Company's ships there.

"I have come, sir," Charlie said to Mr. Drake, "from Mr. Holwell; who
has, in your absence, been elected to the command of the fort. He bids
me tell you that our losses have been already very heavy, and that it
is impossible that the fort can hold out fo