uld be a
hazardous undertaking," he answered. "There are castles on either side
of the harbour, and the corsairs have thrown up earthworks, armed with
heavy guns, for the protection of their ships, so that they would blow
us out of the water should we attempt to enter. We must content
ourselves with blockading them."

Such, I afterwards found, was the plan adopted. We stood on and off the
land to watch the entrance. The next morning the whole fleet arrived,
forming a line from the old head of Kinsale northward, which Prince
Rupert, daring as he was, would not, it was believed, attempt to break
through. It was somewhat trying work. Night and day a vigilant watch
was kept, great care being required so that each ship should maintain
her proper position, and that one should not run foul of the other.

According to his promise, Mr Blake took Lancelot, Dick, and me, with
Martin Shobbrok, on board the _Triumph_. The admiral recognised me
immediately, and remembered also what he had said to my father.

"Would you wish to remain with me?" he asked. "Should such be your
desire, you shall become my cabin boy, and when you have gained a
knowledge of navigation and seamanship, you shall, without delay, be
made an officer."

"Such I desire above all things," I answered, "and I am deeply grateful
for the offer."

"And your friends here," he continued, looking at Lancelot and Dick.
"Were they with us at the siege of Lyme?"

"They were, sir, and we all three worked together to throw up the
embankments," I answered.

"Good! they appear likely lads, and I will watch over their interests,
if the Lord spares my life."

Lancelot and Dick made proper acknowledgment of the admiral's intended
kindness. I then bethought me that now was the time to speak a word for
Martin, and told the admiral how he had behaved on board the _Charles_,
being ready to lose his own life rather than fire at the Parliamentary
ships.

"Brave fellow! I remember him when he served with your father and
mine," he observed. "He shall have a post on board such as his merit
deserves. I will see to it."

Several captains from other ships coming on board, we retired, following
young Robert Blake, who took us into the gun room, where he introduced
us to such of the officers of the ship as were below.

I had long been wishing to hear from Lieutenant Blake how his uncle had
become an admiral, and I now took the opportunity of asking him.

"Simply becau