d frequently been at Sebastopol in former
days; he stated that an Austrian steam-packet, about the size of the
_Tornado_, occasionally called off the port. Jack got a full
description of the vessel from his informant, and he and his lieutenants
agreed that they could give the _Tornado_ much the same appearance.

"I have often read in the old war of the way vessels were disguised to
deceive the enemy. It is quite a lawful proceeding," Jack observed.

Sail-makers and painters were fully employed in shaping and painting old
sails to conceal the heavy guns and figure-head, and to alter the
general appearance of the ship. When all was done, Jack, with his first
lieutenant and Needham, pulled off to a distance to have a look at her,
and were fully satisfied that the keenest of eyes on shore would not
discover her real character. The crew were also ordered to rig in their
working-day clothes, and it was arranged that one watch should go below,
while only a few officers in undress uniform were to appear on deck.

Highly delighted, Jack steered towards the lion's den. The Austrian
skipper was in a state of great trepidation. "If discovered, the ship
will be inevitably sunk!" he exclaimed.

"No fear," said Jack; "we'll see what's to be seen, and then steam out
again at a rate which will give the Russian gunners no little trouble to
hit us."

The midshipmen were of course in high glee; Tom was only sorry that
Desmond was not with them. "How he would have enjoyed the fun!" he
exclaimed; "only perhaps he's finding some still better in the Baltic."

That night, few slept out the morning watch, all being so eager to have
an early look at the fortress, as Jack had determined to enter the
harbour soon after daybreak, when, as might be supposed, the garrison
would not have got the sleep out of their eyes. As morning broke, the
high cliffs on either side Sebastopol appeared in sight. The Austrian
colours were hoisted, the greater portion of the crew were sent below,
the remainder being ordered to lounge about in merchantman fashion;
while Jack and Jos Green and the two lieutenants, with the Austrian
skipper, walked the deck with the perfect composure of men who were well
acquainted with the place. Keen eyes were, however, looking out from
many a port at the rocky shores ahead, as the _Tornado_ drew in to the
land. Two brigs-of-war were discovered at anchor on either side of the
harbour's mouth, and as of course they would