“I don’t know, Madam. I never saw the western side by daylight. I noticed nothing on the eastern side as I was climbing the steps, to show that any cannon was on the Trogzmondoff at all.” “I suppose you had no opportunity of finding out how many men garrison the rock?” “No, Madam. I don’t think the garrison is large. The place is so secure that it doesn’t need many men to guard it. Prisoners are never taken out for exercise, and, as I told you, they are fed but once in four days.” “How large a crew can ‘The Walrus’ carry?” “Oh, as many as you like, Madam. The yacht is practically an ocean liner.” “Is there any landing stage on the eastern side of the rock?” “Practically none, Madam. The steamer stood out, and I was landed in the cove I spoke of at the foot of the stairway.” “It wouldn’t be possible to bring a steamer like ‘The Walrus’ alongside the rock, then?” “It would be possible in calm weather, but very dangerous even then.” “Could you find that rock if you were in command of a ship sailing the Baltic?” “Oh, yes, Madam.” “If twenty or thirty determined men were landed on the stairway, do you think they could capture the garrison?” “Yes, if they were landed secretly, but one or two soldiers at the top with repeating rifles might hold the stairway against an army, while their ammunition lasted.” “But if a shell were fired from the steamer, might not the attacking company get inside during the confusion among the defenders?” “That is possible, Madam, but a private steamer firing shells, or, indeed, landing a hostile company, runs danger of meeting the fate of a pirate.” “You would not care to try it, then?” “I? Oh, I should be delighted to try it, if you allow me to select the crew. I can easily get aboard the small arms and ammunition necessary, but I am not so sure about the cannon.” “Very good. I need not warn you to be extremely cautious regarding those you take into your confidence. Meanwhile, I wish you to communicate with the official who is authorized to sell the yacht. I am expecting a gentleman to-morrow in whose name the vessel will probably be bought, and I am hoping he will accept the captaincy of it.” “Is he capable of filling that position, Madam? Is he a sailor?” “He was for many years captain in the United States Navy. I offer you the position of mate, but I will give you captain’s pay, and a large bonus in addition if you faithfully carry out my plans, whether they prove successful or not. I wish you to come here at this hour to-morrow, with whoever is authorized to sell or charter the steamer. You may say I am undecided whether to buy or charter. I must consult Captain Kempt on that point.” “Thank you, Madam, I shall be here this time to-morrow.” CHAPTER XIII --ENTRAPPED