leaving the
Cossacks to shake their lances at them in vain.

After pulling some way, they caught sight of the _Tornado's_ light, when
the commander and his party were welcomed with a hearty cheer on board,
the crew having felt very anxious when they heard of the dangerous
character of the expedition on which he had gone.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

DICK NEEDHAM'S EXPEDITION--DICK AND ARCHIE CAPTURED--ATTACK ON THE
CARAVAN--UNEXPECTED MEETING WITH HIGSON AND MIDSHIPMEN--HIGSON'S
UNWILLINGNESS TO RETURN--JACK'S SOLUTION OF THE DIFFICULTY--THE YOUNG
LADIES' GRIEF--TOM, AGAINST HIS WILL, JOINS THE FLASH--CAPTURES A FORT
AND GUNS--THE SLEEPING BEAUTIES--THE FLASH AGROUND--ATTACKED BY
RUSSIANS--FATE OF FLASH--DESMOND THINKS OF EMIGRATING--TOM'S "PRIOR
ENGAGEMENT"--CAPTURE OF KINBURN.

The Mosquito fleet had been employed for many weeks in destroying almost
immeasurable quantities of provisions and stores, effectually crippling
the resources of the Czar's armies. Private property had invariably
been spared, so that the inhabitants of the country did not exhibit any
ill-feeling towards the English. The few men who by chance fell into
their hands were treated with considerable kindness.

Jack's usual plan was, after having ascertained the whereabouts of the
magazines or stacks, which were nearly always placed on the seashore, to
steam up to the spot just before daybreak, and immediately to send in
one or two boats, the officers of which, landing with torches, quickly
set the stores on fire, and scampered back before they could be pursued.
Night after night, now in one place, now in another, stores and
magazines were destroyed; and as there were upwards of a dozen vessels
thus engaged, it may be conceived what mischief was committed.

There is an old saying, however, that the pitcher which goes often to
the well gets broken at last. Jack had heard from his faithful spy,
Niuski, that some large stores existed on the shores of a lake about a
mile from the coast, the river communicating with which was too shallow
to allow of the boats proceeding up it. He had intended going himself,
but an attack of illness made him feel that it would be imprudent to
venture, as he might break down on the way. Dick Needham, hearing of
what was required to be done, at once volunteered to lead an expedition,
and Jack gladly accepted his offer. Tom and Archie, who had been
burning to distinguish themselves in some exploit of the sort, begged