e a
signal asking leave of Murray to pick up any of the Russians still
floating on the wreck of the steamer. This request was at once granted;
and, lowering two of his boats, of one of which Tom took the command,
and of the other Ben Snatchblock, he again stood on in pursuit of the
two steamers. They, however, had not got far when they made out a third
vessel coming to attack them, and finding that all hope of escape was
cut off, they both hauled down their colours.

Murray, who was nearest to them, at once sent a couple of boats to take
possession of the two prizes; while Jack stood back to pick up his
boats. Of the whole of the Russian crew they had saved but six men, two
of whom were much burnt, and one died directly after he had been taken
on board the _Tornado_. One of the survivors, a Finn, who, having
served on board English merchantmen, spoke English perfectly, informed
Jack that a considerable quantity of corn and other provisions were
stored in warehouses on the banks of the river, some way from its mouth.

"It is our duty to destroy them," said Jack to Higson.

"I will undertake to do it," was the answer. An expedition was at once
planned, the command of which Jack, with Murray's approval, gave to
Higson; Archie was to accompany him, while Green and Tom were to go in
another boat. The fort, however, still held out, and several of its
guns had again opened fire on the English vessels. Murray determined to
take it by assault as soon as the approaching steamer had come into the
bay. She now made her number; the bunting flying from her masthead
showed her to be the _Flash_.

"She can only lately have arrived in the Black Sea, and is probably on
her way to join the fleet, for she was only building when we left home,"
observed Jack. "I wonder who commands her."

By the time the preparations for attacking the fort had been made the
_Flash_ had come close up to the _Giaour_. A gig from the former was
seen to pull to the latter vessel; Murray now made a signal to Jack to
come on board; he was soon alongside the _Giaour_. Stepping on deck,
who should he see with his hand extended to greet him but Terence Adair;
standing a little way behind him was Gerald Desmond. Archie, who had
accompanied his commander, and Desmond were soon in eager conversation;
while Jack, at Murray's invitation, went below with Adair. There was
only just time for Jack to hear that Terence's former ship, having
received some dama