he state of affairs to
Mr Dallas, who lay on his rough couch, apparently quite calm and
confident, but with a red patch burning in either cheek, as he bitterly
felt his helplessness and inability to do more than give a word or two
of advice. But this advice he did give, when the frigate was about a
mile off.

"We are so weak here," he said to Roylance, "that Mr Belton had better
keep his men well out of sight, and not invite inquiry or molestation.
The vessel may not be coming here, and if they see no one will pass on."

Roylance communicated this to Syd.

"But there is one thing they will see," he said.

"What?"

"The flagstaff."

"Yes; I had forgotten that, and it is too late to take it down; the men
would be seen."

All this time the frigate was steadily approaching, for if her course
was to reach the town that slept so calmly in the sunshine, she would
come within about half a mile of the rock as she passed.

The orders were given for the men to keep out of sight at the lower gun,
the heavy piece being drawn back from the opening in the stone wall
built up in front; and Roylance, who had charge there, lay down behind a
piece of rock, where he could watch the vessel's course.

Syd went on himself to the upper gun, after bidding the man at the
flagstaff keep out of sight.

Terry was walking up and down impatiently as the lad approached, and the
latter looked at him wonderingly, for only a short time before they had
parted apparently the best of friends.

"Look here, Mr Belton," said Terry, losing not a moment in developing
his new grievance, "I want to know why Roylance has been sent down to
the lower gun, where the work is of more importance than this."

"More importance?" said Syd.

"Yes; I suppose you have been advised to do it as a slight upon me. You
would not have done it of your own accord."

"I was not advised to do anything of the kind," said Syd, quietly; "I
did what I thought was best. If there is any difference in the two
posts, this is the more important, because every one would have to
retreat here in case the lower gun was taken."

"Surely I ought to know which is the more important, sir," cried Terry,
loudly, "and I see now it is a question of favouritism or friendliness.
But I shall protest against it, and so I tell you."

"There is no time to discuss such a matter as this now, Mr Terry," said
Syd. "You are to hold this gun in readiness to cover the retreat if the
lower work b