than he.

"No," replied Roylance; "but she can stop us perhaps. I should not be
surprised if she is coming on purpose; for the people, you see, must
know we have taken possession of this rock, and that is why all shipping
has kept away."

"Perhaps so," said Syd, a little more testily, for it was painful to be
so ignorant. "Well, I suppose we can do nothing."

"Do nothing? Well, you are at the head of affairs; but if it was my
case I should go and have a word with the lieutenant, and take his
advice."

These were his words of wisdom, and Syd hurried down to the hospital and
reported.

"And me a-lying here like a log," muttered the boatswain.

"In all probability a French man-of-war come to see what we mean by
settling down here. Well, Mr Belton," said the lieutenant, "I do not
suppose it means fighting; but, if I were you, I should get out my
ammunition, and have it well up to the guns."

"Why don't you tell me to do it, sir?" cried Sydney, humbly.

"Because the command has fallen upon you, my lad; and I'm only a poor
feeble creature, hardly able to lift an arm. Come; you have no time to
spare. Draw up your ropes, beat to quarters, and if the enemy does come
near, and send a boat to land, you can warn them off."

"And if they will not go, sir?"

"Send a shot over their heads."

"And if they don't go then?"

"Send one through their boat."

"But that will hurt somebody, sir."

"I hope so," said the lieutenant, dryly. "Why, Strake, what are you
doing?" he continued, excitedly, as the boatswain slowly sat up,
uttering a groan as he lowered down his feet.

"On'y going to see to that there ammunition, sir. There's no gunner
aboard, and some one ought to do it."

"But you are too weak and ill, my man."

"I shall be weaker and iller ever so much, sir, if I stop here," said
the boatswain. "Oh, I arn't so very bad."

"But really, my man--"

"Don't stop me, your honour, sir. How could I look his father in the
face again if I didn't lend a hand just when it's wanted most?"

"Well, I cannot stop you, Strake," said the lieutenant. "I only wish I
could stir. I could do nothing but take up the men's strength, and make
them carry me about. Go on, Mr Belton; play a bold part, and recollect
you are acting in the King's name."

Syd flushed up, and went to work at once. The preparations did not take
long. The rope-ladder was hauled up and stowed away, the men were
called to quarters, ammunition serv