it is the best thing she can do."

Tom did not quite fancy this advice, but, like many another midshipman,
he had to grin and bear it; and was two minutes afterwards proceeding
with his chest on board the _Flash_. Gerald welcomed him warmly, and,
having received the cue from Adair, said not a word for some time about
the fair Feodorowna. The _Flash_ being actively engaged, Tom had plenty
of work, and very little time to think about his lady-love. His
conscience was not at all troubled when he was sent in to burn stacks of
corn and hay, and other Government property; indeed, had he been so, as
he had heard Jack observe that by doing so the war would be the sooner
brought to a conclusion, he would have considered that he was doing what
would be well pleasing to the colonel and his family.

Although Adair thought Tom a goose for falling in love, he yet placed
great confidence in his gallantry and discretion. The _Flash_ had been
sent to the eastern end of the Sea of Azov. She was cruising one day
close inshore, when her commander observed a fort which mounted six
guns, but could see no gunners to fight them. He accordingly came to
the conclusion that they had been withdrawn to garrison Taganrog, or
some other important fortress.

"We must have those guns," observed Adair. "I intend sending you,
Rogers, and Desmond, in to-night to bring them off, should I find, as I
suspect, that they are undefended," he said to Tom. "You will be
supplied with a scaling-ladder, with which you can take a peep in and
ascertain the state of affairs. If there are only three or four
soldiers, you must secure them; then shut the gates of the fort, to
prevent anyone getting in, while you hoist the guns into the boat."

Tom and Gerald were delighted with the thoughts of the proposed
expedition, and undertook faithfully to carry out their commander's
orders. The _Flash_ continued steaming on till she was out of sight of
the fort, when, as soon as it was dark, her head was put inshore, and
she ran back to within a short distance of the fort Tom and Gerald were
ordered to burn a blue light should they require assistance, but if not,
to carry out the work as quietly as possible.

"You may trust us, sir," they said, as they stepped into the gig, which
had a crew of six hands, and a supply of tackles for lowering the guns.

"This is just the sort of fun I like," observed Tom, as they were
pulling for the shore.

"Much better than sighing