refore it may be we'll have use for that ammunition 'twixt now and
noon."

Hiram had arrived at the shore almost on my heels, and having taken a
good look at the oncoming craft cried:

"Now is the time when you must work lively, lads, in order to get all
the grain aboard if it be possible! We have a good hour before us,
according to the way yonder craft is sailing, and should be able to
clean up all that John Weston has made ready for us."

Then, as we lads started on a run for the farm-house, he shouted to the
watchers on deck:

"Don't lose sight of that vessel for an instant, and give the signal
when she is come up to yonder small fir tree on Noddle island!"

Having said this he turned about to work as desperately as ever man
could, crying out against him who lagged ever so little, and encouraging
by words and example those who were putting forth every effort.

I dare venture to say that Farmer Weston's grain was never handled more
quickly than on this occasion, and we had all of it aboard, with the
exception of mayhap ten bags, when a cry from the shore warned us that
the enemy had approached to within the distance set by our leader.

Now it must be borne in mind that all these goods had been put aboard
one of the sloops, leaving the other clean, so far as concerned a cargo,
and I was not a little surprised when Hiram gave the word for the four
men to go on board the laden vessel to make ready for getting under way.
Then we lads were sent into the empty craft, in which was stored the
ammunition, and word was given to "up anchor and hoist the canvas."

"Is it a case of running away?" I asked sharply of the leader, who, with
half a dozen of the lads, was swaying down on the mainsail, and he
replied, speaking with difficulty because of his heavy breathing:

"One of the sloops will try to run away; but it won't be ours."

I now understood full well what was his plan. We were to engage the
enemy in a regular battle so that the other sloop, laden with
provisions, might succeed in going free. I am willing to confess that
despite all my previous longings to show myself worthy of being a
soldier, the cold chill of fear began to run up and down my spine, as I
realized that the time was come when we must strive to kill while others
were doing their best to shed our blood.

I question much, now that I have taken part in other conflicts, whether
any one, man or lad, ever looks forward to an action at arms without a
ce