take the forts by force, though we might and should succeed in the end,
we might hurt some of the English people on shore, and that's what you
wouldn't wish to do."

"No, indeed," said Ronald, shuddering. "That I would not, of course.
But what do you propose?"

Ronald had discovered the uselessness of attempting to hurry the old
man, so he waited patiently for his reply.

"Why, sir, I think if the ship was to run in just before dark under the
French flag, the people on shore would fancy that she had been brought
back for some reason or other, and very likely wouldn't board her that
night. When it is dark I will go on shore and find my way to the huts
of the prisoners. I will tell them that you have arrived to bring them
off, and I think that I could manage to conduct them down by a path to
the shore, so that the French sentries shall not see them. In that way,
sir, they may be got on board without danger."

Morton was not satisfied with the whole of Doull's plan.

"You forget the risk the prisoners would run of being fired on by the
French sentries, if found escaping; while, before the ship could leave
the bay, the forts would open fire on her, and very probably injure some
of them. However, I will think over your proposal, and I thank you for
your anxiety to serve me."

Morton would rather have run in with both ships, reduced the forts, and
carried off the prisoners in triumph, but caution as well as boldness,
he knew well, were necessary to insure success. Captain Calder highly
approved of the plan he ultimately laid before him.

All was ready on board the "Osterley." The boats were hoisted in; and
while she ran on towards the land the frigate hauled her wind and stood
off again.

The Indiaman rapidly approached the land. As she drew in with it the
French ensign was hoisted at the peak. Job Truefitt looked up at it.

"It's the first time that I minds that I ever sailed under that buntin',
and I would be sorry to see it often hoisted over my head," he observed
to the elder Doull, pointing at it with his thumb half over his
shoulder, and a contemptuous sneer on his lips. "I never loved them
mounseers, and hopes I never may. They are to my mind the nat'ral born
enemies, so to speak, of Englishmen, and it's my belief that they'll
remain the same to the end of the world."

Doull was now summoned aft to pilot the ship among the reefs which
surrounded the group of islands she was approaching. The wind