wn, from those we found on board the schooner; so if the enemy press on
they will be able to give them a warm reception. And then, even if the
attack is too much for them, they have still a resource, for we have left
an exit in the rear of each battery by which they can retire to the
storehouses. I have instructed them to carry all their muskets back with
them; sixteen men with four muskets apiece could make a very sturdy
defence. As you know, I had the doors repaired and strengthened and
loopholes cut in the walls. Still, I don't think they will be needed."

"How much do you think the prize will be worth?" Harman asked.

"I have really no idea, but I am sure that what we have got here and in
the schooner must be worth some thousands of pounds. What we have left
behind must be the contents of about ten vessels, as all we have been able
to take is only a full cargo for one good-sized ship."

CHAPTER IX

A SPELL ASHORE

Ten days later they arrived at Jamaica, and Will at once went to make his
report to the admiral.

"Well," the admiral said heartily, "you have brought in another prize, Mr.
Gilmore. She looks a mere hulk, and is remarkably deep in the water. What
is she?"

"She is the schooner that sank the _Northumberland_."

"You must have knocked her about terribly, for she is evidently sinking."

"No, sir, she is all right except that the stern is shattered. We have
covered it over with tarpaulins backed by battens; otherwise she is almost
uninjured."

"I am glad, indeed, to hear that you have caught that scoundrel, Mr.
Gilmore, but I hardly think she can be worth towing in."

"She is worth a good deal, sir, for both she and the cutter are choke-full
of loot."

"Indeed!" the admiral said in a tone of gratification. "In that case she
must be valuable; but let me hear all about it."

"I have stated it in my report, sir."

"But you always leave out a good deal in your report. Please give me a
full account of it. First, how many guns did she carry?"

"Six guns a-side, sir."

"Then you must have done wonders. Now tell me all about it."

Will modestly gave a full account of the fight and of the steps he had
afterwards taken to prevent them from playing a treacherous trick upon
him, and of the land fight and the arrangements made to secure the goods
he found at their head-quarters.

"And now, what have you brought home this time?" t