company, and the
admirable behaviour of the troops. I have recommended also to the
consideration of their Lordships my poor old mother and only surviving
sister. I trust my country will look after them, as they depend on me
for their support; and if I die, it will be in the performance of my
duty. I have no other claim than that. I tell you the contents, that
you may be able to repeat them to their Lordships should you reach
England and the letter be lost."

The commander now called over the names of the officers he had selected
to take charge of the boats and of the men who were to form their crews,
and they were ordered into them; and to each was allotted the supply of
provisions and stores which had been prepared. The cooper had been
engaged in filling the few casks which could be found with water out of
some of the butts on deck. These were divided among the boats. A
compass was placed in each, and a chart, as also a quadrant and other
nautical instruments for the launch and each of the cutters; lanterns,
candles, and several other stores were not forgotten.

"Fowling-pieces will be of use," observed Captain Power. "Here is mine,
Twopenny;" "and mine", "and mine," added the other officers, bringing
them up from their cabins. "Don't forget the powder and shot." A
supply in tin cases was soon provided.

While the seamen were performing their various duties, the soldiers
stood, drawn up along the deck, with their officers, as if on parade.
Not a man moved from his post, but all watched the proceedings going
forward as if no unusual occurrence was taking place. The sea had by
this time so much gone down that the operation of lowering the women and
children into the boats was less hazardous than otherwise would have
been the case. Mrs Morley and her two daughters were the first to
appear on deck. The colonel led them to the gangway, where the
boatswain and several of the most active seamen were standing ready to
lower them down, under the direction of the first-lieutenant. Whether
or not they expected that Colonel Morley would accompany them, it was
difficult to say. The only words heard, as Mrs Morley seemed to
hesitate for a moment as she was about to be lowered down, were, "We are
all under orders. Duty must be our first consideration."

Poor Mrs Twopenny shrieked out for her husband. "He will follow you
presently," said the first-lieutenant, hoping to pacify her. "Now, Mrs
Rumbelow, you are to