he frowning batteries on the other side of the harbour of
Sebastopol; while on the right appeared thin curls of smoke, marking the
course of the shells thrown from the lines of the allies into the city
and those sent by the batteries in return: while the thunder of the
artillery was heard with fearful distinctness. On reaching the
flagship, Jack and Murray went on board, when they received directions
to take a part in the work which had been going on nightly. Some time
before, the boats of the fleet had set up signals on shore within reach
of the French camp, and men were sent down soon after dark to light
them. By their means every night an English and French steamer had
stood in and shelled the town, greatly to the astonishment of the
Russians, who were utterly unprepared for such a mode of attack. They
of course fired in return; but as they could scarcely see their foes,
the ships were but seldom struck; while not only did they commit a good
deal of harm, but thus harassed the garrison by night as well as by day.

Jack was to take the lead that night, in company with a French ship.
All hands were well pleased at the work cut out for them, and eagerly
looked forward to the hours of darkness when they might begin shelling
the enemy, little troubled by the thoughts of the shot which might be
sent on board them from the Russian guns in return. Tom and Archie were
especially in high glee at the thoughts of what they were to do.

"Who knows but one of our shells may burst in one of the enemy's chief
magazines, or knock down some of their defences, and allow the allies to
take the place?" said Tom.

"We shall not be much the wiser if we do do it," observed Archie; "and,
depend upon it, they will insist that it was their own guns did the
work."

Soon after dark the _Tornado_ and her French consort steamed in towards
the harbour, steering by the lights which had been placed on shore. The
screws made but little noise, and perfect silence was maintained on
board, so that the enemy could not discover their whereabouts till they
opened fire. The lights were so placed as to enable them to know with
terrible accuracy the position of the forts into which they were to
fire. As they glided onwards through the darkness for some minutes
together, not a sound was heard in the direction of the beleaguered
city, which to all appearance lay in profound slumber. Then came from
the far distance the reports of a few dropping shot,