s_
stood for Puerto Cabello. All hands were eagerly on the look out as
they approached the port, to ascertain whether the frigate was still
there. A shout of satisfaction broke from the throats of the crew as
she was discovered with her sails bent ready for sea, though moored head
and stern between two strong batteries, one on either side, at the
entrance of the harbour. By herself, she looked no insignificant
opponent; while the batteries, it was supposed, mounted not less than
two hundred guns. The _Cerberus_ stood in till she was within gun-shot
of the enemy, and then continued her course, as if fearing a contest.
Not a word was said by the captain as to what he intended doing. Hope
returned when the ship was tacked. For two or three days the _Cerberus_
continued cruising up and down before the port. Another day was drawing
to a close, when, as it seemed, she had given a farewell to the port.
Some of the officers had been dining with the captain. They came out of
the cabin with an expression of satisfaction on their countenances.

"Something is in the wind," said Reuben to Paul. "They wouldn't look so
pleased otherwise."

Not long after this, all hands were sent aft to the quarter-deck, where
the captain stood, surrounded by his officers, ready to receive them.

"I told you so," whispered Reuben to Paul. "He's got some good news,
depend on that; I see it in his eye."

"My lads, we have been waiting a long time to get hold of that
villainous frigate in there," the captain began. "If we don't take her,
somebody else will, and we shall lose the honour and glory of the deed.
She will not come out to fight us fairly, and so we must go in and bring
her out. It's to be done, I know, if you'll try to do it. What do you
say to that?"

"That we'll try and do it," cried a voice from among the seamen.

"Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!" Three hearty cheers broke from the crew.
Again and again was given forth from the seamen's throats that
soul-thrilling shout which none but Englishmen can utter.

"Thank you, my lads," cried the captain. "I knew that you would be
ready to do it; and, what is more, I know that you will do it. It will
not be your fault if that frigate is not ours before many hours are
over. There will be six boats with their regular crews, and I have
arranged already of whom the boarding-parties are to consist. I will
myself lead."

Saying this, he handed a list to the first-lieutenant. All were