Half an hour after, the captain, now in full uniform, took a hasty glance at the position of his crew.

A portion of the men were stationed at the guns, with lighted matches.

Others were engaged in heating shot, and preparing other instruments of destruction.

Jack and Fritz, armed with muskets, were ready to act as sharp-shooters as soon as the enemy came within range, and Willis was standing beside them, with his hands in his pockets, quietly smoking his pipe.
"What, Pilot!" exclaimed the captain in passing, "don't you intend to take part in the skirmish ?" "I am much your debtor, captain, but I cannot do that." "And these young men ?" "They are not Englishmen, and your kindness to them entitles you to claim their assistance.

I am sorry that honor and duty prevent me giving you mine." "No matter, captain," said Fritz, "my brother and myself will do duty for three." "Then, Pilot, you had better go below." "With your permission, captain, I would rather stay and look on." "But what is the use of exposing yourself here ?" "It is an idea of mine, captain.