ts a case of hangin', an' salt won't save us. If you lads
want to stay aboard, takin' the same chances we do, well an' good; if
not, you'd better go ashore in quick order, for we shall be under way
mighty soon."

"Shall we be helpin' the government the same as if we stayed aboard
one of the vessels to do our share of fightin'?" Jim asked, and Darius
replied:

"Yes, an' a good deal more. If you were taken prisoner after bein' in
a fight, it's only a case of goin' to jail on one of his majesty's
ships; but if you're taken while on such work as has been given out to
us, it's a hangin' for sure, with you at the loose end of the rope."

No one could say that Darius had not put the matter plainly, and I
expected to see Jim draw back; but to my surprise he said stoutly:

"I reckon we fellows can stand it if you do; we'll stay, an' the
commodore shan't have a chance to say that we didn't hold up our end
of the business."

Surely I could make no protest of any kind after Jim had announced
himself so firmly, and, in order to make it appear that I was really
eager to set forth on this dangerous expedition, I said quickly:

"Cast off there! Darius, take the tiller! Tail on the halliards,
lads!"

We got under way in fine style, and as the pungy swung around with the
current, I saw my father waving his hat from the craft to which he
belonged, and thus knew he understood we were bound on some service
for the commander.

Nor was he the only one who bade us a mute adieu. Half the members of
the fleet made some quiet demonstration in token of good wishes, and
just then it seemed almost a fine thing to be thus voluntarily going
into extraordinary danger for the benefit of one's friends and
acquaintances.

I am well aware that by writing down all my thoughts I have pictured
myself as a weak-kneed lad, and one who delighted in making a show of
authority, as has been seen when I was disgruntled because Jerry or
Darius took it upon themselves to say that this thing or that should
be done, without first consulting me, and yet I hold it is only fair I
give the same plain dealing concerning myself as I try to in the case
of my companions.

Now, however, as we were setting out on a cruise from which not one of
us might return, I was more than glad to surrender up to Darius the
charge of the Avenger, and I was determined that he should keep it,
taking whatsoever of honor might come to the commander, contenting
myself with being simpl