The Commander had all his plans cut and dried. Fifty men, with two days’ rations in their haversacks, were to go aboard "No. 3" at sunset. Two hours before sunrise next morning he would land them at the foot of the hill, scramble up, and rush the gun. During this time "No. 2" was to demonstrate in front of the entrance, play her search-light on the forts, fire her guns, and distract their attention. At daybreak the _Sylvia_ was to be close in under the foot of the hill and be prepared to land another fifty men from the _Strong Arm_, with the _Sylvia’s_ two Maxim guns, plenty of ammunition, water, and provisions. If the first party did not succeed in capturing the gun, or, after having captured it, could not maintain their ground, Cummins would fall back under cover of the guns of the _Sylvia_ and "No. 3", destroying the big Chinese gun, if possible, before he left. If, however, he found himself able to maintain his position on the top of the hill, he would signal for the _Strong Arm’s_ party to land. "Once get that gun to bear on their ships and we shall drive them out to you, sir," he concluded, "and I have no fear of the result then." "With a hundred men away," answered Helston doubtfully, "it may not be so easy." "I shall take the marines, sir; none of the big guns are manned by them, either on board here or on board the _Strong Arm_. You know they have complained often enough about that; but I have always had this eventuality in my mind, and they will, therefore, not be so much missed in a general action." Helston paced nervously up and down his cabin. "What will happen if the weather breaks?" "It all depends on the weather, sir, I allow that, but such a risk one must face, and personally I am prepared to face it. Remember that you have but a month to capture this island." "I know it, Cummins, I know it," replied Helston; and then turning suddenly with some of his old fire and animation said, "I tell you what, I’ll go myself." This was the last thing in the world that Cummins wanted. "There’ll be a lot of climbing, sir, and with your disabled arm you will be extremely handicapped; and when I drive these fellows out to sea your place will be aboard your ship in command of your squadron." "Yes, yes, you are right; you always are, for the matter of that," he added bitterly, and his voice rising as the excitement of coming action elated him. "We shall both get our promotion. I promise you that if I get mine you shall have yours." Lowering his voice he added, "You said the other day, Cummins, that there was not much chance of winning a wife here. I don’t talk about these things, but my promotion would win me a wife." "I think mine would also, sir—I pray it would," answered Cummins in a grave voice. Both men shook hands for a moment—dropped them—Cummins stuffed his into his pockets—both looked foolish.