"Mr. Somers, your reputation would be seriously damaged by the failure of your enterprise. Your officers would be more unwilling to trust you than they are now if you should meet with a disaster." "I could not complain. I do not intend to meet with any disaster. If I do nothing better, I shall bring my men back with me." The admiral laughed, and seemed to be pleased with this confidence, while Captain Cascabel shook his head. "Mr. Somers, the risk is very great. You and your men may be prisoners in Fort Morgan within twenty-four hours. A failure would damage, if not ruin you. Are you still ready to undertake the work?" asked the admiral. "I am, sir." "Remember that everything depends upon yourself. My best wishes for your success go with you." Somers needed no better inspiration, and his frame seemed to jerk and spring like that of Brave Old Salt, when he realized that he was actually to undertake his cherished purpose. The gig pulled back to the Chatauqua, and Somers immediately commenced his preparations. The cordial indorsement of the admiral was enough to silence all opposition, and to "put a stopper on the jaw-tackle of all croakers." He was earnestly seconded by the captain and his officers. In a short time a light whale-boat was towed up, and made fast to the boom. Somers's first duty was to select his crew. He was to engage in a desperate enterprise, and everything must depend upon the skill and bravery, as well as the silence and discretion, of his force. The first person selected was the boatswain, Tom Longstone, who, being better acquainted with the qualities of the seamen, was intrusted with the selection of the boat's crew. Just as soon as it was discovered that some daring enterprise was to be undertaken by the third lieutenant, he was beset by eager applicants for a place in the boat. Acting ensigns, masters' mates, midshipmen, indeed, all the officers below Somers in rank, begged to be appointed. The young commander of the expedition was prudent and cautious, and he accepted the services of none. Tom Longstone was the only officer to accompany him. The boatswain would obey his orders without asking any questions, or bothering him with any advice. "There, Mr. Somers, I have picked out the twenty-four best men in the ship--men that will work, fight, and hold their tongues," said Boatswain Longstone, when he had executed the important trust committed to him. "Thank you, boatswain. What do you think of the weather?" "It's going to be a nasty night." "So much the better. Let every man take his pea-jacket; apply to the armorer for revolvers and cutlasses for each of them." "A howitzer, Mr. Somers?" "No; we must go as light as possible," replied Somers, as he proceeded to instruct the boatswain in regard to certain "slings" and other rigging that would be wanted.