eager
to ascertain its contents. Bruff and Devereux had command of boats; the
second-lieutenant had charge of another--the launch; the surgeon of a
fourth. Paul, with no small delight, heard his name called out for the
captain's boat--the pinnace. Reuben Cole was also to go in her. The
expedition was to consist of two divisions; the first formed by the
pinnace, launch, and jolly-boat, to board on the starboard-bow, gangway,
and quarter; and the gig, black and red cutters, to board on the
opposite side. Some of her crew were to remain in the launch to cut the
lower cable, for which they were provided with sharp axes; the
jolly-boat was to cut the stern cable and to send two men aloft to loose
the mizen-topsail. Four men from the gig were to loose the
fore-topsail, and in the event of the boats reaching the ship
undiscovered, as soon as the boarders had climbed up the sides, the
crews were to cut the cables and take the ship in tow. No arrangements
could be more perfect, and all about to engage in the undertaking felt
confident of success, eagerly waiting for the moment of action. The
ship stood towards the harbour, and in silence the crews and the
boarding-parties entered the boats and shoved off. Paul felt as he had
never felt before. He had gone through a good many adventures; but the
work he was now engaged in would probably be of a far more desperate
character. Still his heart beat high with hope. If the undertaking
should be successful--and he felt sure that it would be--he believed
that he should secure that position he had of late taught himself so
ardently to covet. The boats made rapid progress. The pinnace led; the
captain with his night-glass keeping his eye constantly on the enemy.
No light was seen, either on board her or in the batteries, or other
sign to show that the Spaniards were aware that a foe was approaching.
The night was dark; the water was smooth. There was a sound of oars.
Two large gun-boats were seen at the entrance of the harbour. At the
same instant the Spaniards, discovering the English, began firing. The
alarm was given; lights burst forth in all directions, and round-shot
and bullets came whizzing through the air. Some officers might have
turned back; not so Captain Walford. Ordering the boats to follow, and
not to mind the Spaniards, he gave three hearty cheers, and, dashing on,
was quickly up to the frigate.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

The Spanish frigate lay moored head a