again, and I called Jim
Freeman and Dody Wardwell into the cuddy that they might cook
breakfast for all hands, including Elias Macomber.

Jerry insisted that the cur ought to be sent on his way with an empty
stomach; but to that I would not have agreed even though the commodore
had failed to give especial orders to the effect that he be fed.

By the time our cooking operations were well under way, the foremost
of the fleet began to heave in sight, and from that moment Joshua
Barney had something more to do than pace the Avenger's deck.

We learned very soon that the Scorpion had run aground, which fact
delayed several of the smaller boats, since Lieutenant Frazier called
upon many of the men for assistance; but all reports ran to the effect
that the fleet would unquestionably be at the rendezvous by early
dawn.

We drew lots to see who should feed the prisoner, and Josiah Coburn
selected the unlucky slip, which was a great relief to me, for I
question if I could have put food into the villain's mouth with any
very good grace.

We were yet at work on the breakfast when my father came aboard, the
barge to which he was drafted having been the third to arrive, and it
made me feel mighty good when he complimented us on our smartness in
handling the Avenger.

We two went well forward where we might converse privately, and I did
not think I was betraying any confidences when I told him of the
commodore's plans. He was in nowise surprised, and said as one would
if talking to a particular friend:

"I guessed that something of the kind might be in the wind when the
word was given to get under way. It would have pleased me better,
Amos, if you had been detailed to go with the advance."

"Why so, sir?" I asked, secretly rejoicing because he was treating me
as if I had been of his own age.

"Because those who remain to destroy the fleet will be in great
danger. You cannot begin the work until the enemy is close upon you,
otherwise it might be said that valuable property had been sacrificed
needlessly, and your risk will be greater than mine."

"That is as it should be, sir," I replied, forgetting that I had ever
been weak-kneed or lukewarm in the cause. "For mother's sake you
should be the one to go home, if both cannot."

"You have ever been a good boy, and a dutiful son, Amos. I shall pray
that God will spare your life, whatever He may will shall become of
me."

Then my father kissed me, and I never remember of his