he same pace.

"We shall have time to get across the square and to seize him before he
makes his round," observed Murray. Adair signified that he thought the
same, as did Wasser.

"Then," added Murray, "you and I, Paddy, will seize him, while Wasser
lets Jack out of the prison, and he can come and help us bind and gag
the sentry."

"Now is our time," whispered Murray. "One, two, three, and away!" Down
the square they dashed at full speed. Paddy leaped like a wild man of
the woods on a sudden on the astonished sentry's back, and pressed his
hand tightly over his mouth, while Murray grasped his musket, putting
his hand on the pan, to prevent it going off (he need not have taken so
much trouble, as it had no flint in it), while Wasser climbed up to the
top of the hut, where he had ascertained there was a hole. It was his
honest countenance Jack saw looking down upon him. Jack little thought
all the time how near his friends were, and what essential service they
were rendering him. Wasser put down his hand, and Jack catching it,
Wasser, with a strong tug, enabled him to grasp some of the rafters.
Jack very quickly was on the roof, and seeing two negro lads struggling
with the sentry, guessing that they were in some way trying to serve
him, leapt down to help them. The sentry had very little chance against
four stout lads, and so they soon had him down and gagged, and dragged
inside the hut.

"Now run, run," whispered Wasser, "no moment lose."

Away they all ran as hard as they could pelt. They reached the palisade
and began to scramble over it. Jack had not recognised any of his
deliverers, but he was much obliged to the little black fellows for the
help they had afforded him. Just then a dog barked, then a man's voice
was heard shouting, then another and another joined in the outcry.
There could be no doubt that the town was aroused.

The wild hubbub in the negro town increased. The midshipmen and their
sable ally had too much reason to fear that they should be captured.
Wasser led the way over the palisade, Jack followed, Alick and Paddy
brought up the rear. Jack had not yet discovered his friends, as in
consequence of their dread of being discovered no one had spoken. Jack
only thought that some negro lads, for some reason or other, had come to
his assistance.

"Run, run!" cried Paddy, as they jumped down on the outside of the
palisades. There was little necessity for his saying this though.

"Wh