ed out under the boatswain's orders,
and the guns loaded. Every man had his cutlass, and the British colours
had been laid ready for hoisting at a moment's notice.

When these arrangements had been made, Syd took Roylance and Terry into
consultation, and asked them if there was anything else that could be
done.

Neither could suggest anything, for the water-casks were filled, the
stores were up in safety, and the men had a supply of fresh fish, in the
shape of the shark just caught--a toothsome dainty that some sailors
consider excellent for a change.

All was ready; every man at his post; and after buckling on his dirk,
Syd thought to himself, "What an impostor I am! What impudence it is
for me to pretend to command these men!"

But as he went out amongst them, somehow it did not seem as if they
thought so. There was a bright eagerness in their faces, and whenever
he spoke it was to be answered with a cheery "Ay, ay, sir!" and his
orders were executed with alacrity.

It was a small party to command, if this should prove to be a French
man-of-war come to dispute the right of the English to this rocky speck
off their possessions.

But the matter was soon to be proved. From time to time Syd climbed to
the flagstaff to watch the stranger, which was approaching fast, and
also to sweep the distant horizon in search of help in what promised to
be his dire need.

And here it may as well be stated that in planting his garrison on the
rock, it had been the intention of Captain Belton--an idea endorsed by
his consort--to let a party of his men hold the place, so as to keep any
party from Saint Jacques from taking possession, and from thence
annoying his ships. Such a venture could only be made with boats from
the town, and these he felt that it would be easy for the little
garrison to beat off. It never entered into his calculations that the
rock could be attacked by a man-of-war, for he and his consort would be
there watching the channel which led up to the town, and theirs would be
the duty to repel any formidable attack.

The gale, which had risen to a hurricane, changed all this, and that
upon which the captain did not count had come to pass.

For a French frigate was sailing steadily up the broad channel--a vessel
whose captain was evidently quite at home among the coral reefs and
shoals which spread far and near, and its nearing was watched with eager
eyes.

From time to time Roylance was sent to report t