Now, then, I am willing to accept of your offer of service if you are still of the same mind as when you made it, and if you are willing to undertake what we have to do without any question and inquiry as to points on which we must not and dare not inform you.

Whatever you may have overheard last night may or may not have put you in possession of our secret.

If the former, your determination can be made at once; if the latter, you have only to decide whether you are ready to go blindfolded in the business.' "'I am ready, my lord,' said I.
"'You perhaps are then aware what is the nature of the service ?' "'I know it not,' said I.'All that I heard, sir, leads me to suppose it one of danger, but that's all.' "'I think, my lord,' said Dawkins, 'that no more need now be said.

Cupples is ready to engage, we are equally so to accept; the thing is pressing.
When can you sail ?' "'To-night,' said I, 'if you will.' "'Really, Dawkins,' said the admiral, 'I don't see why--' '"My lord, I beg of you,' said the other, interrupting, 'let me now complete the arrangement.

This is the plan,' said he, turning towards me as he spoke: 'As soon as that old craft can be got ready for sea, or some other if she be not worth, it, you will sail from this port with a strong crew, well armed and supplied with ammunition.