It is, I know, a desperate service, and if discovered you will be instantly killed.

But if it succeeds the pirates, scared by discovering, just as our ships open fire, that a number of their guns are disabled; while we take them in the rear, from the fort behind, may not improbably surrender at once.

At any rate, it's worth trying; and I, for one, would rather run the risk of being killed, than be condemned to pass my life the slave of these pirates, who may at any moment cut our throats, in case of any reverse happening to them." The four native officers at once stated their willingness to join in the plan.

Hossein did not consider any reply necessary.

With him, it was a matter of course to do whatever Charlie suggested.
The latter then went into the next casemate, and unfolded his plan to the sailors, who heartily agreed to make an effort for their liberty.
The fire continued all day unabated; and at nightfall, when a man, as usual, brought the captives food, he exultingly told them that no damage whatever had been effected by the guns of the fleet.
In the evening, the party cut a number of pieces of wood; these, measuring by the cannon in the casemate, they made of just sufficient size and length to push down, with a slight effort, through the touch hole.