ur_. Murray had
orders to summon the _Tornado_, with any other vessels he might fall in
with, in order that their boats might form an expedition up the river--
across which ran the great highroad leading to the Crimea. Information
had been received that a large amount of stores and provisions were on
their way to the garrison of Sebastopol.

"If we can cut them off, we shall commit incalculable damage--perhaps
starve the garrison into surrender," Murray observed. He was, of
course, sorry to hear of Archie's capture, but the two commanders agreed
that they need not make themselves very unhappy about the matter.
Green, who had gone on shore with the flag of truce, returned, saying
that he had been unable to fall in with anyone who could communicate
information about the prisoners; and they had therefore to be left for
the present to their fate.

A few hours afterwards the _Flash_ appeared, and the three commanders
proceeded to the rendezvous, a short distance out of sight of land. It
had been arranged that they were to stand in at nightfall, and
immediately to send their boats up the river, so as if possible to take
the enemy by surprise. In the meantime several of the fleet were sent
to different parts of the coast, to burn all the Government stores they
could discover, and thus to assist in misleading the enemy. The
squadron was delayed longer than had been expected, but at length
information was received that a caravan was on its way, and might be
expected near the mouth of the river the next night. Jack settled to
take command of one of his boats, while Green took command of the other.
Adair went in one of his, and Desmond, greatly to his delight, had
charge of the second. Murray also despatched two of his, and the other
ships sent the same number.

The squadron came off the mouth of the river about an hour and a half
after dark, when the flotilla of boats, without a moment's delay,
proceeded up the stream, with muffled oars. A mist lay on the water,
though the stars could be distinguished overhead, which, as they kept
directly in the centre, would, they hoped, conceal them from any persons
on the banks. The crews were ordered to keep perfect silence; the
larger boats were armed with guns in their bows, capable of throwing
shot and shell, so that they were well able to compete with any force
which might appear, even though accompanied by field--pieces. It was
known, however, that the enemy possessed but