ge, had been sent home to be repaired, and that he in
the meantime had been appointed to the command of the _Flash_ destined
for the Black Sea.

"I was glad to get her," he observed; "for, judging from our first
year's experience in the Baltic, I suspected that we were not likely to
have much to do in that part of the world; first, because the Russians
showed no inclination to come out and fight us; and, secondly, because
Charley Napier--"

"Never mind the second reason," interrupted Murray; "here you are, and
very glad we are to see you; and now let me hear what you say to our
proposed attack on this fort."

"That I am perfectly ready to go in for it," answered Adair. "How many
boats' crews do you require, or shall I send the whole of my ship's
company?"

"Two boats' crews will be sufficient, and the sooner you send them off
the better," replied Murray.

"In other words, you direct me to trundle on board as fast as I can,"
said Adair. "I should like to lead the expedition myself, and as we
pull in I can take a sufficient survey of the fort for the purpose. As
I have had no share in the glories of the campaign, you will not refuse
me?"

Murray willingly agreed to Adair's request, and two of the _Flash's_
boats being quickly manned, the three steamers stood towards the fort.
As they approached, they were received by a pretty hot fire, which they
returned, while still standing on, with shells from their guns; and,
running close in, they brought their broadsides to bear on the fort,
into which they forthwith poured a shower of shot and shell. The boats
then cast off, and, led by Adair, pulled for a landing-place on one
side, from which a road led up apparently into the interior. The ships
meantime kept up a furious bombardment on the fort; and though one gun
from it was brought to bear on the boats, none of them were hit. Adair,
rapidly pulling for the shore, quickly landed, and without a moment's
loss of time led the way up the hill. Every instant he expected to see
the enemy, but none appeared. Turning to the right, and keeping under
cover of some rocks and trees, he made his way towards the fort. Ben
Snatchblock had been provided with a red flag, which he exhibited at the
last point whence it could be seen from the ships; and it was calculated
that in three minutes more after this the party would reach the rear of
the fort. Directly that time had elapsed, the ships were to cease
firing.

Adair and Hi