admiral on the quarter-deck,
went up to him and delivered our message.

"I was wondering," said Sir Hyde Parker, who was also on the quarter-
deck, "what good news you young monkeys had to tell, that you were
carrying-on upon the boat in that unmerciful manner. If you are not
more careful, young gentlemen, that craft will turn the turtle with you
some day, and our friend Hood will lose two of his most promising
officers, eh?"

The admiral looked at us for a moment with just the ghost of a smile
flickering over his inscrutable features, and then ordered the signal to
be made for the captains of the various men-o'-war to rendezvous on
board the flag-ship.

"I have arranged with Dundas," he said, "to send a brigade on shore to
help make up the storming-party, and I think it will be best to let each
captain call for a certain number of volunteers."

Bob and I stepped forward with one accord, just as Sir Hyde whipped
round upon his heel and said sharply,--

"If you have no objection, sir, I should like to lead our bluejackets in
this affair. You will have to send some one with them; they will be
worse than useless in the hands of the soldier-officers, since they will
not understand each other, and I might as well go as another."

"Not to be thought of for a moment, sir," returned the admiral. "No,
no, no; give one or other of the captains a chance to distinguish
himself; you have already made your mark. Well, what can I do for you,
young gentlemen?" turning to us.

"We shall volunteer, sir," said I, as bold as brass; "and we should feel
_very_ much obliged if you will put in a word for us with the sk-- with
Captain Hood, sir, if you please."

"Have either of you ever been present at the storming of a fortress?"
asked the admiral.

"No, sir," cut in Bob, taking the words out of my mouth, "but we have
boarded an enemy's ship before now, sir, which is pretty much the same
thing."

"About as much like it as the musketry-fire of a squad of marines is to
the broadside of this ship," remarked the admiral. "No, my lads, take
my advice and remain on board your ship. I have no doubt your courage
is more than sufficient for such work, but you lack _strength. Men_ are
needed for a storming-party; you could be of no possible use, and by
going would only risk your lives needlessly. I am sorry to be obliged
to refuse you, but I should not be justified in acceding to your
request. You may retire, young gentlemen, but I