"And what is he to do when he gets on board, sir?" said Mr Frewen. "Make for the Dennings' cabin at once?" "No," I said sharply. "That's just where I shouldn't go. Some one would be sure to be watching it. I should try and find out which was the cabin Jarette uses, for the arms would be there, and then I should tie some guns--" "And cartridges," whispered Mr Preddle, excitedly. "Oh yes, I shouldn't forget them. I'd tie 'em together and lower them down out of the window. He's sure to have the captain's cabin, and the window will be open, ready." "Bravo!" cried Mr Preddle. "Oh dear! I wish I was a boy again." "And the best of the fun will be," I continued excitedly, "old Jarette will never think anyone would go straight to his cabin, and be watching everywhere else." "Then you think you can do this?" said Mr Frewen, eagerly. "Oh yes, I think so, sir." "I'd better come with you, my lad," he continued. "No; that would spoil all. A boy could do it, but I don't believe a man could." "He is right, Frewen," said the mate. "Then understand this, Dale, you will have to act according to circumstances. Your object is to get weapons, which you will hang out so that we can get hold of them; perhaps you will be able to lower them into the boat and then slide down the rope you use. But mind this, you are not to try and communicate with the Dennings." "What?" said Mr Frewen, angrily. "It would be fatal to our success," said the mate, firmly. "Now, Dale, you understand, guns or revolvers, whichever you can get." "Yes, sir, I know." "Then how soon will you be ready?" "I'm ready now." "Hah!" ejaculated Mr Frewen, and my heart began to go pat pat, pat pat, so heavily that it seemed to jar against my ribs, while a curious series of thoughts ran through my brain, all of which were leavened by the same idea, that I had been playing the braggart, and offering to do things which I did not dare. CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN. "Now," whispered Mr Brymer, "utter silence, please. Not a word must be spoken. Shake hands with us all, Dale, and God bless and speed you in your gallant attempt." I shook hands all round, Mr Brymer whispering-- "Don't talk to him, gentlemen. Let him make his attempt on his own basis. He will act according to circumstances, and will know what is best to do. There, Dale. Now off! Go right forward into the bows, and send Hampton aft. He shall put an oar over the stern and scull you right in under the bowsprit. Then we shall go on round to the stern and wait. If you do not hear or see us, act all the same. It is intensely dark, and we shall be there. Off!" It was like being started on a school race, and my breath came short as if I were running. I crept forward as silently as possible to where Bob Hampton was seated, and it was so dark that I had to feel for him. "Go aft and take an oar with you," I whispered. "Don't speak, and don't make a sound."